Calmness is a form of truth, and even more so, a form of kindness; it is a form of beauty, and even more so, a form of nobility; it is a form of maturity, and even more so, a form of sublimation; it is an expression of one's character, and even more so, a state of harmony between mind and body. Calmness requires the accumulation and purification of time and practice; it is a clearing of the clouds and a sudden realization.
There is a famous Western saying: "One friend is good, two friends is a bit more, and three friends is perhaps too many."
Many things in life exist in the tension between feeling aggrieved by staying silent and feeling overly sentimental by speaking out.
We often obsess over being right or wrong, but how many of us truly see ourselves? In the vast universe, we are merely the most humble and tiny beings. As long as we do not give up and continue our small efforts amidst great despair, joy will one day greet us.
Surface arrogance is often a disguise for inner inferiority. My most longed-for days are those spent at home—watching a movie, cooking a meal, and being with family. Yet, as we grow older, we feel that such moments may only ever become a part of the past.
"Cultivating oneself with reverence" means to practice self-discipline and maintain a respectful attitude; "cultivating oneself to bring peace to others" means to seek ways to bring joy to others as a foundation of personal growth. "Self-cultivation" is the primary prerequisite for being responsible to one's country and society. "To worry before the world worries, and to rejoice after the world rejoices" is a belief, an emotion, and a social responsibility. However, the premise of this is simple and starts from the ground beneath our feet. Cultivating one's character and perfecting the self is where everything begins.