How to become better

Author: Lu Kui, Huang Yan / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: During the Spring and Autumn Period, Qi had a minister named Liang Qiuju. Once, he said to the clever Yan Zi, "I will never catch up with you, Master, even if I live to the end of my days." Yan Zi replied, "I have heard that those who strive always succeed, and those who act always reach their goals. I, Yan Ying (also known as Yan Zi), am not extraordinary in any way; I simply keep doing and never stop. I just keep taking action without ceasing." These words gave great confidence to Minister Liang Qiuju. In modern terms, Yan Zi's words mean "diligence can compensate for dullness," "no pain, no gain," or what the common people say, "fear not slow, fear not stopping," and "as long as the saw makes a sound, there will be an end." Actually, setting aside Yan Zi's self-deprecation, historical records show that he was indeed a very intelligent and virtuous person. Sima Qian deeply admired him and once said, "If Yan Zi were alive today, I would even be willing to hold his whip for him, for I would greatly admire him." There are many stories about Yan Zi's wit and erudition. However, this account tells us that even someone as clever as Yan Zi achieved his success through continuous action, learning, or relentless effort. At the same time, Yan Zi used his experience to tell us that those who are "duller" or start striving later can still catch up with others or achieve success as long as they work diligently and study hard. Minister Liang Qiuju, perhaps feeling he was somewhat dull or perhaps feeling his age had caught up, started striving later, and in the process of pursuing self-improvement, he grew envious of Yan Zi's great achievements, leading to this self-pitying remark. In fact, Liang Qiuju's lament reflects the psychological reality of many who, in their "autumn" of life, have achieved nothing but refuse to give up. However, we believe that life's autumn is not the end of the road; there is still time to exert one's remaining strength. Throughout history, many people have started striving in their autumn years and achieved great success. At the same time, Liang Qiuju's question also reflects the psychological reality of those who feel they are naturally dull but still want to achieve something. We share this view that a person's aptitude can be changed through hard work. Throughout history, many dull individuals have achieved success through post-natal learning and effort. Therefore, Yan Zi's answer is correct; it powerfully dispels our doubts and worries about whether we can succeed, telling us the secret to achieving success. People are not only naturally different in talent but also in their living environments. A child born into a poor family in a remote mountainous area cannot be compared to a child born into a wealthy family in a modern, developed city. For example, a child growing up in 1930s Shanghai could see and own cars, electricity, and Western-style houses, while a child growing up in a poor, mountainous area in northwest China today might not even have a bicycle, let alone basic necessities like food and clothing. P12-13