Living in this world, a person may not be able to enjoy abundant material pleasures or exist under perfect institutions, but one must not lack correct thinking. A true sage is someone who can use the wisdom of others to protect themselves from being deceived. Freedom is not about doing whatever you please; rather, it is the ability to refrain from doing what you do not wish to do. It is not because of loneliness that you miss someone, but because you miss them that you feel lonely. I believe the reason for my profound loneliness is that I miss you so intensely. Peace brings comfort but may lead to an early demise; work brings refinement yet grants longevity. Rather than blaming others for your pain, consider whether it is your own lack of cultivation that is the cause. When one is not standing firm, one's strength is often weak, sometimes leaving one no choice but to be led along by others. There are many difficulties in the world, but the two most difficult are: putting other people's money into your own pocket, and putting your own ideas into other people's heads! There is a dilemma in this world: changing others or changing oneself. Trying to change others is painful, whereas changing oneself should be a path to happiness. To change others, first change yourself! Do you still believe in love? Do not stop drinking water just because your cup is broken.
There are many difficulties in the world, but the two most difficult are: putting other people's money into your own pocket, and putting your own ideas into other people's heads!
