The first type is boiled until hard, losing all dreams and vitality. The second type is boiled until soft, turning into limp mush that accepts fate passively and merely conforms to existing rules.
A person, considering himself superior and disdaining worldly affairs, went to a Zen master to complain. The master asked, "Do you know the saying 'when water is too clear, there are no fish'? Even a precious jade may have hidden flaws. Only with magnanimity and tolerance can one achieve great things."
A beautiful face is for others to see, but a wise mind is for oneself to utilize.
There are many stones on the mountain, but few precious jades; there are many people in the world, but few true gentlemen.
A friend once asked me, "What is life?" I answered, "Life is a practice." He asked again, "How do you practice?" I replied, "Practice as you go, and go as you practice."