Our lives are filled with countless trials and challenges, each experience a refinement of our spirit and intelligence. Care is given to the nurturing of temperament, the sharpening of the mind, and the settling of mood. To achieve progress on the journey of growth and to take control of one’s life, the key lies in handling the minute details well, treating every problem life presents with kindness, and maintaining calm amidst major life events.
Being adept at handling minor matters is the bridge to success. As the “Tao Te Ching” says, “The most difficult things in the world must be done while they are easy; the greatest things in the world must be done while they are small.” Many people yearn to achieve great things all at once and often overlook those insignificant events. Unfortunately, every major challenge starts with a simple matter, and every great achievement is built from small details. The cultivation of abilities and the cherishing of opportunities often stem from meticulous attention to the minor matters at hand. When we lay the foundation for each small detail, the future edifice can stand tall and unshaken. Just as Mount Tai is majestic because it does not refuse the smallest amount of earth; the rivers and seas are profound because they encompass the tiniest streams.
Surviving the hard times. On life’s journey, we will inevitably encounter a variety of hardships and setbacks. True warriors do not become discouraged by temporary adversity; instead, they face challenges with more tenacious will and persistence. As Zeng Guofan stated in his family letters, through these tough times, we can grow and thrive. Life certainly has its unpredictable elements, but we must believe that the darkness before every dawn is the struggle endured by those who succeed. Every period of adversity is an opportunity to remake oneself.
Maintaining calm in the face of major events. As the “Great Learning” states, “Only through calm can one be tranquil, and only through tranquility can one deliberate, and only through deliberation can one succeed.” Only a person whose heart is as calm as still water can think clearly and make the right decisions. If one can maintain a tranquil mind, they can avoid inner anxiety and haste to uncover the core of a problem and its solution. Success always belongs to those who toil in silence, remain unpretentious, and think calmly. Only by steadying the mind and reflecting deeply can we better recognize our goals, gather strength, and achieve breakthroughs when the right moment comes.
