Even in hardship, one can find joy: laugh at the sorrows of the world.

Author: Future
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Giving up can be both a rational act and a manifestation of magnanimity. "Perseverance can wear away stone and metal," this is a famous academic maxim left by the ancients and a path to success highly regarded by the world. In reality, relentless hard work and perseverance are only one of the conditions for a person's success, while other factors such as opportunity, talent, interest, insight, and physical condition are equally indispensable. If you are studying a certain field, learning a certain skill, or pursuing a certain career and find that the conditions are too poor despite considerable effort, it might be wise to learn to "give up" and seek an alternative path.
For example, learning to play the piano. Statistics show that there are 100,000 piano students in Beijing and Shanghai alone, and the number nationwide is unknown but estimated to be no less than 1 million! If it were just for fun, that would be fine, but no, many families take their children seriously as potential piano prodigies. Many couples believe, "This is how it's going to be for the rest of our lives," and no matter what, they want their child to achieve something great. So they economize, buy an imported piano for their child, and are determined to raise a Chinese "Chopin" or "Liszt."
Another example is the college entrance examination (Gaokao). Every year, the Gaokao frenzy erupts. After fierce competition, ranks are determined, and some are happy while others are sad. Due to limited educational resources, no matter how "persevering" you are or how hard you try, the admission rate dictates that nearly half of the examinees will have to voluntarily or unwillingly "give up" their dream of going to college. If the difference is small and it's just an occasional setback, it's natural to prepare for another year and try again; but if the score gap is too large, even retaking the exam several times won't significantly improve the situation, then it's best to make a decisive move and learn to "give up."
As the saying goes, "There are a thousand paths to success—why squeeze onto a narrow bridge?" Bill Gates, the world's first billionaire, never went to college, and the great inventor Thomas Edison only finished elementary school. Yet they still achieved fame and success without hindrance. Why must you insist on walking down the same path? Perhaps, if you retreat just one step, you'll find a world of possibilities.
Life is short, and youth is fleeting. Once you've chosen your goal, persevere to achieve it, as "stone can be worn away by perseverance." But if the goal is unsuitable or the objective and subjective conditions do not permit it, it's better to learn to give up and "change course." Only then might you find a bright path and set out on a grand new journey. Ban Chao abandoned writing for military service, and Lu Xun gave up medicine for literature—both became shining examples after changing their paths. It shows that if you can assess the situation, play to your strengths, seize the opportunity, and give up, it is both a rational act and a magnanimous one.
Drop-by-drop Insight: In a colorful and tempting world, every person with a normal mind will have ideals, aspirations, and pursuits. Otherwise, they will lack ambition, resign themselves to mediocrity, and achieve nothing. However, history and real-life experiences tell us: we must learn to give up! P2-3