The path to Tranquility (spring)
49. Acting for life
Life is the most precious gift nature has given us. Every life is unique, yet has common intrinsic value and meaning. Although life is short, it contains infinite possibilities to change the world. Therefore, we should make full use of our time and energy to create a better living environment for life so that its value can be realized.
Life itself has no fixed goal, but exists in a free and pure form. Although death is the end of life, it cannot shake life's persistence in survival. In fact, a life without goals is more flexible and can avoid frustration and disappointment. However, as human thought and self-awareness continue to evolve, we begin to give life goals and expectations, but we also bear heavy pressure and worries.
Goals provide direction, but when our egos focus on specific achievements, life can be filled with frustration. On the other hand, our ego often needs to rely on goals to confirm its existence, and once the goal is achieved, it will feel lonely and empty. Therefore, no matter what we do, whether we succeed or fail, as long as our ego is involved, frustration is inevitable.
If we can return to the essence of life, we will no longer have too many expectations, nor will we feel pain from disappointment. When life is no longer bound by goals that must be achieved, its existence has the highest value. If we make the existence of life the core purpose of our actions, we can fundamentally avoid frustration. Life needs to continue to reproduce, it must have a better future. Therefore, we should focus our goals on a small achievable range rather than pursuing distant ideals.
The most fundamental need of life is real existence. Any action taken to meet this need can bring us true happiness and satisfaction; on the contrary, any pursuit that deviates from this need will bring frustration. This reminds us: no matter what goal we pursue, we must first consider the existence of the reality of life. Only truly life-oriented goals can lead us steadily toward the destination we desire.
Nature is the giver of life and its operating laws cannot be violated. We should be grateful and turn this gratitude into the ultimate pursuit of all our actions. Only by fully accepting the gifts of nature can we establish inner harmony and ensure that our lives always move on the right track.
We can practice this principle of "existence as the highest goal" in our work, daily life, and even in extreme situations such as war. Before every action, we should first weigh the cost and need for life, and then consider the benefits of achieving the goal. Once we realize that an action may threaten our own life, we might as well carefully consider whether to give up the action unless the result of the action can save more lives. Such a choice not only respects the essential value of life, but also reflects our ultimate commitment to life.
Our existence itself is a miracle. The meaning of life lies in living in harmony with nature, connecting with each other and creating a stronger existence together. When we focus on the present moment and make each day more perfect, the chances of life existing increase. The art of life lies in carefully observing our growth every moment and gathering those tiny efforts into the power to change our destiny.
48. Only by accepting ourselves can we grateful to our parents
50. Don’t make decisions in hatred
