Daily Reminder of Life - Psychology Edition

Author: Wang Linhan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features:
The Southern Tang was conquered by the Song Dynasty, and Li Houzhu became a captive. He was escorted to meet Emperor Taizu of Song. Fearing he might commit suicide, the emperor sent someone to observe him. The messenger reported that it was unlikely, reasoning that when Li Houzhu stepped off the boat, he wiped off some dirt from his body. A man so careful about his own life even as he entered prison would surely cherish his life even more. Li Houzhu's timid character was seen through by the other party, and in the following years, he became even more restrained and subjected to humiliation. He ultimately remained in history as a figure marked by melancholy and weakness.
An early leader of the Communist Party, Qu Qiubai, was captured. Jiang Jieshi sent someone to persuade him to surrender and arranged for a doctor to treat him. Qu said, "A little relief from pain is acceptable, but curing the illness is unnecessary." Jiang realized that Qu had made up his mind to die and could do nothing about it. Qu's image of being magnanimous and upright in righteousness has been preserved in history.
A famous Northern Song official, Fu Bi, was sent as an envoy to the Liao Kingdom. After being away for several months, someone sent him a letter from home. He said it would only cause confusion and refused to open it, burning it directly in the lamp. Historians recorded this detail, which sufficiently demonstrates his dedication to public service.
In a village in France, a group of peasant women saw a man lying on the ground one morning, observing something. By evening, when they returned to work, the man was still in the same spot. He was later the great biologist Fabre, who wrote the scientific masterpiece The Insect World. He once said, "Opportunity only favors the prepared mind," a quote that has become the motto of all who seek success.
Darwin once collected biological specimens, holding one insect in each hand when he suddenly saw another unfamiliar insect. Unable to free his hands, yet eager to capture it, he quickly put one insect in his mouth and used the free hand to reach for the third. These are the details of their dedication and success.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the four diagnostic methods: observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. By observing the complexion, asking about symptoms, and examining these details, one can determine the illness and prescribe the correct treatment.
Now, a dedicated editor has compiled many details about life into ten volumes: Law, Psychology, Friendship, Workplace, Travel, Investment, Financial Management, Self-Cultivation, Health, and Entrepreneurship, with 365 details in each volume, to remind us daily, to self-criticize, and to self-motivate. This is indeed a good method for self-diagnosing and maintaining well-being in terms of personal growth.
While it may not be said that correcting one bad detail or cultivating a good one can change one's life, the wisdom, insights, and methods derived from these details certainly can elevate your life to a new level. I hope this series of books will greatly benefit young friends in their growth.