You may share with others what you know and believe to be correct, but do not set an underlying expectation that they must follow your advice (for example: “You must listen to me, otherwise…”). By maintaining this open attitude of sharing, the other person is often more likely to accept your perspective. This applies equally to relationships between partners and between parents and children. If you forcibly impose your views on someone, their ego’s first reaction will likely be resistance.
Moderation in desire and control of anger are methods for preserving health; balanced exercise and diet are methods for strengthening the body; ease and naturalness are methods for achieving peace of mind; self-cultivation are methods for dealing with the world; restraint and quietude are methods for managing the family; and hard work and diligence are methods for establishing a career.
In this world, one can find talented “poor” people everywhere. They are highly gifted, erudite, and even possess extraordinary abilities, so why do they often end up impoverished and unsuccessful? Conversely, why do many people without significant talent manage to achieve fame and success? We all have two shoulders and one head, so why are our lives so different? The root cause lies in understanding social dynamics and human nature. To a certain extent, whether one understands these social nuances determines whether their life will be one of soaring success or destitute failure.
Do not speak words that do not benefit the mind and body; do not do things that do not benefit the mind and body; do not associate with people who do not benefit the mind and body. Be grateful in times of ease, find joy in adversity, face the future with a smile, live groundedly in the present, and stand tall as yourself.
A life of excess may seem poetic for an instant, but it ultimately brings exhaustion and pain to life. Life is only a comfortable enjoyment when it involves giving; a life is only solid and fulfilling when it is dedicated to serving others.
No matter how large the dining table, there are only a few dishes you truly love eating. No matter how spacious the house, you only need one bed. No matter how vast the city, you only walk down a few specific streets every day. No matter how wide the world, in the end, you are looking for just one person.
Whether a man can give you a sense of security depends entirely not on his height, but on the stature of his heart. I have met many tall but spineless men, and I have also met short but spirited men. A man should have high aspirations and pride to truly embody masculinity. Of course, this presupposes that he possesses the talent to match it.
