The path to Tranquility (spring)
64. To end deceit starting from ourselves
If we want to end deceit, the most effective way is to ignore it. When no one
pays attention to false things, deceivers will no longer need to create more
falsehoods to cover up their own deceit, and deceit will come to an end. This
is like placing a potted plant in a corner without watering it, and it will
gradually wither away.
When we notice someone fake smiling, we just need to ignore it and let it pass as quickly as possible. But if we catch ourselves fake smiling, even if we're halfway through it, we should immediately stop and then ignore our previous behavior, relax, and stop pretending. Only when we genuinely laugh from the heart does it show that we are truly happy and display a beautiful and sincere smile. Forcing a smile will only make our expression look ridiculous.
This does not mean that we do not need to pay attention to politeness, but it means that we must consciously grasp an appropriate scale. If it's really necessary to pretend, we can do it consciously, which is much better than pretending randomly. This way, fake smiles won't spread too much, and no one will have to smile along with it out of politeness.
In a complex society where there is deceit everywhere, it's understandable to pretend appropriately to protect ourselves. For example, pretending to be interested in a false statement, allows the liar to expose its hypocrisy more and make it clearer to those around them. We need to realize that allowing deceit to continue will eventually hurt ourselves. Especially in one-to-one relationships, we should never deceive others, because sincerity creates a beautiful relationship, otherwise, we will inevitably become the victim.
To end deceit, we must start with our own words and only speak with true information. False information will mislead others and cause negative effects and harm. Therefore, we need to express our thoughts carefully and make our words more practical and well-founded. At the same time, our actions must be based on true thoughts and beliefs and consistent with our words. This way, we won't unintentionally deceive others and we will be less susceptible to deceit from our egos or others, thereby reducing falsehoods and deceit in the surrounding environment.
We should not allow deceit to spread, but should put an end to it through our words and actions. To end deceit is a demand for ourselves because we cannot control others. Only by self-correction and adjustment can we have a pure heart and help society become a better place.
65. Showing the beauty of life with sincerity
