The words of the talented Liu Zhenyun from Peking University always cut to the chase and penetrate the truth of life. He said:
In life, apart from making money, the remaining time should be spent keeping a distance from people. Only your parents truly wish you well; when you are down on your luck, it is your relatives, friends, and colleagues who will laugh at you.
This is not cynicism, but a clear insight into human nature. He made a cruel yet precise analogy:
Human nature is to be ungrateful. When a blind person regains their sight, the first thing they do is throw away the cane that helped them find their way.
Think about it, is this the case?
Those 'friends' who often drink and toast with you, once you fall and ask to borrow money, they will not answer your calls or reply on WeChat, disappearing faster than anyone.
Those seemingly close colleagues at work, when there's only one promotion available, the speed at which they stab you in the back may exceed your imagination.
An old saying goes: 'In barren fields, there's no one to cultivate; when one starts cultivating, others will vie for it; if you rent a boat together, it may leak, and if two families feed a donkey, it may grow thin.'
Liu Zhenyun has long pointed out: the essence of all relationships is a relationship of interests. Where the interests lie, there the hearts will follow.
Thus, we often wonder: why do we feel less appreciated the more we give?
Because 'a dog cannot be fed enough, people cannot be satisfied, a snake cannot be warmed, and a wolf cannot be fed well.'
What is even sadder is that when a 'considerate' person shows a little non-cooperation, they are blamed for being 'heartless'; while a 'willful' person who behaves well once is praised for 'growing up'.
The scale of human hearts in this world always leans towards the strong. When you are weak, bad people are the most numerous, and there are obstacles everywhere; when you are strong, the world is warmest, and you will be greeted by spring breezes.
So, what is the ultimate clarity of adulthood?
It is understanding: if you cannot satisfy people's hearts, decisively withdraw your enthusiasm.
'I have a loaf of bread; sharing half with you is kindness; hiding it and telling you I'm also hungry is my duty.' This is not indifference, but the wisdom of self-preservation.
Courage is not blindly loving and giving, but knowing when to stop.
Showing weakness is not true weakness; it is a barrier to avoid disputes; being low-key is not cowardice; it is the armor that protects oneself. As the saying goes, 'A tree that stands out in the forest will inevitably be blown down,' true strength lies in silently cultivating oneself.
In this life, seeking outward leads to exhaustion; seeking inward allows for daily renewal.
The ultimate meaning of money may not lie in buying buildings or cars, but in buying back a life that is not defined by others and is freely chosen.
The ultimate destination of affection is not to painstakingly please thousands of hearts, but to cultivate a soul that is self-sufficient and tranquil.
'A thousand people share the same tea but taste differently, only because ten thousand people walk the same path but have different hearts.'
When you no longer crave the understanding and recognition of others, the world will become gentler towards you.
Remember: when in a group, guard your words; when alone, guard your heart; be humble in life, and act steadily for long-term success.
In this world, all predicaments have their solutions that are never found elsewhere.
Strengthening oneself is the only and ultimate answer.