I still remember when I first entered the workforce, my first job was as an editor. Our office didn’t have a supervisor, and everything was overseen by the editor-in-chief.

However, after working at the magazine for about half a year, the editor-in-chief suddenly decided to set up a director position in our editing department, but he didn’t explicitly say who was the most suitable candidate.

Several editors had joined around the same time, and the atmosphere in the office became tense.

Although the director position hadn’t been confirmed, the nameplate had already been prepared. When the editor-in-chief was discussing the matter, he happened to stand by my desk, and he casually put the nameplate on my table.

Perhaps it was unintentional, but it stirred up a significant commotion in my heart. I felt like the position was almost mine.

Among the editors, I had published the most articles, and I had recommended the most authors… Under this mindset, I made mistake after mistake in my subsequent work.

Even the most severe mistake caused a loss for the magazine, and the result was predictable. Not only could I not sit in the director’s position, but I also couldn’t guarantee my job, so I had to resign.

Looking back, I realized that it was not entirely someone else’s fault, but also because I was too ambitious and had high expectations.

Although I was angry and frustrated at the time, feeling that the editor-in-chief was playing tricks on me, if he had directly announced who would sit in the position or not put the nameplate on my desk, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

It wasn’t until I calmed down and reflected on the entire process that I realized this incident wasn’t entirely bad for my life. If I had given up and felt that I couldn’t do anything, it would have meant that I didn’t have the ability to begin with.

If I had blamed others, it would have meant that I had biases and a narrow mind.

If, because of this incident, I could reflect on my shortcomings, discover my weaknesses, and correct them, then it would be a blessing in disguise for my future life.

In the tumultuous world, people are easily blinded by desires, lose their rationality, and ultimately get lost.

The greatest wisdom is to know yourself clearly in the midst of chaos.

Uphold Principles, Unstained by Corruptions

In life, moderately pursuing fame and wealth is not a bad thing, but if you make them too important and lose your original heart, you will ultimately be burdened by them.

Many small things in life can reflect a person’s inner world.

One must constantly examine their behavior, cultivate their character, and not be swayed by external temptations at critical moments.

With a detached heart, one can let their virtues follow their career and not be neglected.

During the Song Dynasty, scholar Xu Heng was diligent and self-disciplined. One summer day, he was walking alone and encountered some merchants who were hot and thirsty. They wanted to drink water.

At that time, someone came from afar, carrying a basket of pears, and said, “There’s a pear tree ahead; let’s go pick some pears to quench our thirst!” Everyone rushed to pick the pears, except Xu Heng, who remained seated.

Someone asked him why he didn’t go, and he asked, “Is the owner of the pear tree present?” The others replied, “The owner is not present, and it’s a hot day, so picking a few pears to quench our thirst won’t be a big deal.”

However, Xu Heng said, “Although the pear tree has no owner, we should still constrain our hearts and not steal even if it’s not prohibited.”

To become an excellent person, one must use moral standards to constrain themselves, build a world that is not disturbed by external things, and maintain a clear and rational self.

Blame Yourself, Forgive Others

In life, many people make mistakes but don’t dare to take responsibility, pushing the blame onto others and making excuses.

However, this approach will only worsen the situation and harm oneself.

For an individual, the most valuable spirit is to reflect on oneself daily, constantly examining one’s mistakes.

Late Qing Dynasty minister Zeng Guofan began to reflect on himself from the time he aspired to become a “saint.” He reflected on himself through his diary, recording his requirements for himself.

He would also show his diary to his teachers and friends, asking for their comments, to conduct a comprehensive self-examination.

Zeng Guofan and his friend Xiao Shan had a falling out over a small matter, and their friendship was strained.

Afterward, Zeng Guofan reflected on the incident in his diary, realizing that he had been unfriendly towards Xiao Shan and had made the mistake of “exhausting others’ enthusiasm and loyalty.” He thought, “I should correct my mistake and apologize to Xiao Shan.”

He took the initiative to admit his mistake, and Xiao Shan didn’t hold a grudge. The two reconciled.

Zeng Guofan’s life was one of self-reflection. He had mediocre talent and a humble background, but because he persisted in self-reflection, he transformed his life.

He kept a diary for over 30 years, and this habit shaped his character, making his personality more refined, and his vision more profound. He eventually became a renowned minister.

Reflecting on oneself and not blaming others is the key to self-cultivation and the foundation of good interpersonal relationships. Those who know how to reflect on themselves are tolerant and kind to others, which is an invaluable education.

Quietly Observe Your Heart, and the Truth Will Be Revealed

In the tumultuous world, it’s rare to find people who can remain calm and clear-headed. Most people’s minds are in a state of confusion.

Giving yourself some quiet time to reflect on your inner world can help you rediscover things you’ve gradually forgotten, which are the “truth” in your heart.

Life is not always smooth sailing, and setbacks and frustrations in work and relationships can have a significant impact on one’s life, leading to despair.

However, by calming down and clarifying your inner world, you can find that some things can still be turned around, and some things that are not beneficial to yourself can be abandoned.

Once you can see things clearly, the illusions in your heart will fade away, and new life will begin to sprout.

Dawn will eventually come, and darkness will eventually dissipate. What’s scary is that you don’t give yourself this opportunity.

Living a life, wanting everything to go smoothly, is almost impossible.

But if you can clearly recognize yourself, you can control your life.

No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. However, what’s scary is not making mistakes but not being willing to reflect on them.

If you don’t understand yourself, you’ll find it hard to see your problems, let alone self-rescue. If you’re stuck in a quagmire, you’ll eventually become hopeless.

Living, you must have your own principles, and following the crowd will only push you deeper into confusion.

Quietly reflecting on yourself, understanding your inner world, and clarifying your true needs can help you avoid many mistakes and take fewer detours.

May we all strive to become better people.