The path to Tranquility (spring)
49. Acting for life
Life is nature's most precious gift. Each life is unique, yet its value and significance are shared. Though fleeting like morning dew, life holds the potential to transform the world. From the tiny single cell to the pinnacle of human civilization, history shows us that even the humblest of life can bring about profound change.
Therefore, cherishing life shouldn't just be a concept; it must be reflected in action. True respect for life encompasses not only personal health and growth but also social and environmental aspects—protecting nature, promoting community harmony, and creating sustainable living conditions for future generations. When we focus on realizing the value of life, our time and energy will naturally flow toward truly beneficial pursuits.
Life is inherently part of nature; it exists not to fulfill its own goals but to achieve the goals of nature. Death is not a goal but an end, a part of life that does not weaken the resilience of the survival instinct. Therefore, when life maintains freedom and flexibility, it is more adaptable to its environment, responding to change and avoiding the trap of fixed goals. The animal kingdom provides a classic example: a lion does not live to become "king of the jungle"; its instincts are to hunt, reproduce, and care for the group, maintaining a balance of survival.
As human thought and self-awareness develop, we begin to set goals and expectations for our lives. While this can provide motivation, it can also increase stress and tension. Social media amplifies comparison and competition, and people often measure their self-worth by "achievement," leading to widespread anxiety—the result of an excessive pursuit of "success."
Goals provide direction and motivation and aren't inherently negative. The problem is that if we view achievement as the sole source of our sense of existence and become overly obsessed with the outcome, we overlook the joy of the process and make life monotonous and boring. Entrepreneurs often endure immense psychological pressure in the pursuit of ambitious goals. The confusion experienced by Olympic champions after winning a gold medal is a classic example of the conflict between a sense of existence and a sense of accomplishment.
We need to re-examine the role of "goals": they should be the midpoint of a journey, not the destination. When we focus on the growth of consciousness and no longer allow external achievements to limit our self-worth, life attains the highest dignity and freedom. Existentialism reminds us that life's existence precedes its assigned meaning. We can freely create, unconstrained by goals. In this way, the very existence of life becomes the ultimate value and meaning.
If our actions are centered on our existence, we can minimize frustration. Goals should revolve around practical needs and long-term well-being, not distant fantasies. Start with daily life, choosing a lifestyle that maintains health and vitality, such as a moderate diet and exercise, rather than pursuing extreme fitness labels. Such goals are both achievable and provide a stable sense of satisfaction, naturally strengthening our sense of existence.
The core need of life is a stable and authentic existence. Any action aimed at satisfying this need, if truly implemented, can bring lasting happiness and stability. Conversely, pursuits that deviate from this core need often lead to frustration and suffering. This is also the profound meaning of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: centered on long-term human survival, achieving a balance between the economy, society, and the environment, and not sacrificing future development for short-term gains.
Nature is the giver of life, and its laws of operation—evolution, balance, and interdependence—cannot be violated. We should practice gratitude in every choice and action, respect the diversity of life, and establish an inner order of harmony with nature. Only in this way can we maintain clear direction and peace of mind in our daily lives and work, keeping our lives on track. Deviating from natural laws is often costly and may even endanger our survival.
In any situation, we can apply the principle of "existence as the highest goal" to our actions. Before every choice, we must first weigh the need for life and the cost, and then consider the pros and cons of achieving the goal. If an action could seriously threaten our own life or the lives of others, we should be cautious or even abandon it, unless the result would significantly save more lives.
History also offers profound lessons: during World War II, countless people sacrificed themselves for collective freedom; today, technological advances (such as the use of drones) are striving to minimize the loss of life. These changes reflect an ethical shift—the value of existence transcends temporary gains and losses, and the dignity of life is an inalienable bottom line.
Our very existence is a miracle. When we live in harmony with nature and connect with one another through families, communities, and global networks, we can thrive and thrive with greater resilience. By focusing on growth and cherishing every moment, all our efforts will converge into a force that can change our destiny.
This is like a gardener's daily life: not striving for perfection, but simply watering carefully, pruning patiently, and the process of coexisting with the plants itself is a fruitful harvest. This shows that improving our lives doesn't require grand narratives; simply being true to our own existence can unlock infinite possibilities. Ultimately, life is not a race, but a dance—let us find eternal joy in the rhythm of nature.
48. Accept yourself and you will be grateful to your parents
50. Don’t make decisions in hatred
