Twist——100 Famous People Who Changed Their Fate

Author: Qiu Qingjian, Huang Xueli (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Diligence can cultivate outstanding talent, but diligence does not necessarily change fate. Changing one's destiny requires another important factor: "wisdom." Maugham used wisdom to transform his books into spiritual wealth for humanity while also turning them into his own money, thus avoiding the tragic fate of Cao Xueqin. Similarly, Picasso merely used wisdom to leverage a mere 15 silver coins, making his paintings highly sought after and leading him to a life a hundred times better than Van Gogh's. In the book Turning Points, we have selected 100 inspiring stories of famous figures from around the world who changed their destinies, some through diligence, but more through wisdom: Shang Yang's reforms faced resistance, but a small trick opened the way; Chen Zi'ang broke a qin to gain fame in Chang'an; Li Hongzhang used a "hit from a distance" strategy to overcome his rival, Zuo Zongtang; Galileo shared glory with others, completely transforming his own circumstances; Bell took only half a millimeter further than others, becoming the world-renowned inventor of the telephone; Henry Kissinger, the U.S. Secretary of State, became an unshakable figure in American politics by positioning himself as a "wallflower"; Bill Gates, in his student days, seized an opportunity to become the world's first billionaire. These little-known stories can help readers understand how these famous figures seized their destinies at turning points in their lives, and can also inspire readers to use wisdom to find their own turning points. Diligence is necessary—it is a condition for success, but it is not a sufficient condition. If you want your talent to bring you wealth in your lifetime, you should study this book Turning Points carefully and use wisdom to change your destiny.