For an ordinary person to achieve success and establish merit, one must understand the current situation, know how to adapt to opportunities, and act at the right moment.
When a matter is in its nascent stage and has not yet revealed its signs, it is called the "opportunity" (ji). When this "opportunity" is not very obvious, it is not easily perceived. Grasping the opportunity to take action is called "momentum" (shi). If "momentum" does not develop to its peak, it will not automatically cease. Adapting to the times means making accurate judgments about the various trends of things, ensuring one's actions are practical, and making corresponding changes according to different circumstances. The ultimate goal is to ensure one holds a dominant position and guarantees the success of the action.
At a banquet, Mr. Churchill and his wife were sitting face to face. One of Mr. Churchill's hands moved back and forth on the table, with two fingers bending towards his wife. Bystanders were very curious and asked Mrs. Churchill, "Why is your husband looking at you so thoughtfully? What does it mean when he bends his fingers and moves them back and forth?"
If you deceive love, you will be abandoned by love.
Mastering oneself means always possessing a clear heart and a bright sentiment. Try to stand higher and look further when observing problems, learn to change perspectives when handling matters, and think from others' points of view. In dealing with people, be neither greedy nor envious; in social conduct, be neither flattering nor arrogant. This means always maintaining a normal state of mind, not being overly ambitious, and not going to extremes.
To live the life you desire, be brave enough to give up some things. There is no perfect fairness in this world, and you will never achieve a perfect balance. If you want freedom, you must sacrifice security. If you want leisure, you cannot achieve the success recognized by others. If you want joy, you need not care about the attitudes of those around you. If you want to move forward, you must leave the place where you are currently staying.
