In life, there are three inviolable rules that one must adhere to. Understanding any one of these points will benefit you for a lifetime. First, one's temper should not exceed one's abilities. When children throw tantrums, it is cute; however, when adults lose their temper over trivial matters, it only makes them seem ridiculous. All human suffering is essentially an anger towards one's own ineptitude. In life, those who are most incapable often become slaves to their tempers. Those with deeper insights and greater abilities remain calm and composed, handling weighty matters with ease. Always remember, if you lack the ability to tidy up after yourself, do not allow your ever-changing emotions to run wild. Second, wealth should not exceed virtue. Virtue outweighs wealth, and virtue will surely bring rewards; wealth that surpasses virtue will inevitably lead to loss. You must understand that every penny you earn is balanced by your virtue, effort, and sweat. When your wealth surpasses your character and abilities, you will find yourself in a state of anxiety over gain and loss. It is like a bowl; if your bowl is too shallow, it cannot hold the influx of wealth and blessings, and you will be harmed by money. For the way of heaven is to reduce what is excessive and replenish what is insufficient, while the way of humanity is different; it diminishes the insufficient to serve the excessive. Third, desires should not exceed abilities. A so-called glorious life is merely a prisoner of desire. When what you pursue cannot keep up with you, these things will eventually drift away in another form. Ultimately, what one can truly possess is aligned with one's abilities or virtues. Many people feel unfortunate simply because their desires overshadow their capabilities. Take what you should take, let go of what you should let go, keep what you should keep, and release what you should release. Instead of envying others' lavish banquets, it is better to appreciate your own simple meals. Lastly, I hope everyone remembers: cultivate today without asking about the path, and tomorrow's harvest will come in its own time.
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In life, there are three inviolable rules that one must adhere to. Understanding any one of these points will benefit you for a lifetime. First, one's temper should not exceed one's abilities. When children throw tantrums, it is cute; however, when adults lose their temper over trivial matters, it only makes them seem ridiculous. All human suffering is essentially an anger towards one's own ineptitude. In life, those who are most incapable often become slaves to their tempers. Those with deeper insights and greater abilities remain calm and composed, handling weighty matters with ease. Always remember, if you lack the ability to tidy up after yourself, do not allow your ever-changing emotions to run wild. Second, wealth should not exceed virtue. Virtue outweighs wealth, and virtue will surely bring rewards; wealth that surpasses virtue will inevitably lead to loss. You must understand that every penny you earn is balanced by your virtue, effort, and sweat. When your wealth surpasses your character and abilities, you will find yourself in a state of anxiety over gain and loss. It is like a bowl; if your bowl is too shallow, it cannot hold the influx of wealth and blessings, and you will be harmed by money. For the way of heaven is to reduce what is excessive and replenish what is insufficient, while the way of humanity is different; it diminishes the insufficient to serve the excessive. Third, desires should not exceed abilities. A so-called glorious life is merely a prisoner of desire. When what you pursue cannot keep up with you, these things will eventually drift away in another form. Ultimately, what one can truly possess is aligned with one's abilities or virtues. Many people feel unfortunate simply because their desires overshadow their capabilities. Take what you should take, let go of what you should let go, keep what you should keep, and release what you should release. Instead of envying others' lavish banquets, it is better to appreciate your own simple meals. Lastly, I hope everyone remembers: cultivate today without asking about the path, and tomorrow's harvest will come in its own time.