It is said that learning to be human is a lifelong task, and there is no way to graduate from it. This saying is indeed very reasonable. In life, everyone needs to learn; as long as there is learning, there will definitely be progress. Learning to be human is an extremely important and profound subject. So, what do we need to learn to be human? Here are 7 essential lessons in daily life that everyone needs to know:
1. Learn to admit mistakes
People often have a tendency not to want to admit mistakes or shortcomings. Whenever something happens, they say it is someone else's fault, believing that they themselves are right. In fact, not admitting mistakes is a kind of error. A person who knows how to admit mistakes not only does not lose anything but instead reveals themselves to be someone with a righteous heart, courage, and the ability to correct wrongs. One must have courage. Courage is not about fighting with others, nor is it about arguing or comparing oneself with others. The greatest courage is to admit one's own mistakes, to feel that one should not have said such things, should not have done such things, and should not hinder others. A courageous person is someone who can repent, admit their mistakes, and correct them; such a person will always elevate their moral character. Becoming a complete person, knowing how to admit mistakes in life is a beautiful virtue and also a method of cultivation.
2. Learn to be gentle
If life is like a vast, pristine prairie, then gentleness is like a winding river, nurturing the growth and flourishing of the prairie. If life is like a clear sky, then gentleness is like the clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The blue sky with white clouds is poetic; because of the clouds, the sky becomes radiant and mysterious. There is a humorous analogy: A person's teeth are hard, but the tongue is soft. By the end of life, all the teeth will eventually fall out, but the tongue will still remain. Therefore, one must be soft and gentle for life to be long-lasting. A person with a gentle and harmonious heart can live happily and for a long time. The more mature a person becomes, the more their temperament becomes gentle and calm. Therefore, gentleness and harmony are virtues that everyone should earnestly learn.
3. Learn to be patient
Enduring a little, the wind is calm and the waves are quiet; taking a step back, the sea is wide and the sky is high. Patience helps everything to be peaceful and dissipates disasters. A person with patience can clearly discern good and bad, right and wrong in the world, and thus can calmly accept them. When faced with adversity in life, remember to be patient. If you can endure what others cannot, you will gain what others cannot. You may move straight ahead, but you will inevitably encounter darkness. However, after overcoming this phase, you will welcome pure rays of light.
4. Learn to understand
A person who lacks understanding of others often gives rise to gossip, disputes, and misunderstandings. In life, there are many things that we see with our own eyes that may not necessarily be as we think. Therefore, always maintain a degree of tolerance, listen, and seek to understand others. When you can understand others, you will live more selflessly, love others, and love life more. All the results in this life are not born without reason. Regardless of what anyone does, there are their own causes and reasons. In everyone's life, there are joys, sorrows, loves, and hates that they do not want others to know. When we change our perspective, we will discover that we are not the only protagonists in this world. Each person is different, each has their own story, and each is the main character in that story, whether it is ordinary or extraordinary. Everyone must go through different sorrows and happiness. Life is impermanent; everyone has their own feelings and tears. We should learn to be compassionate and forgiving, and learn to treat others kindly. Because in the end, that is the life of a human being in this world.
5. Learn to let go
In life, many things are like a suitcase. When needed, we lift it up; when not needed, we put it down. If we insist on holding on when we should let go, it is like dragging a heavy suitcase; how can we be free and unrestrained? The years in life are limited; no one can be sure what tomorrow will bring, whether they will still be healthy or not. Therefore, if today we can let go of all our stubbornness, we will allow others to accept us, thus freeing ourselves from many conflicts.
6. Learn to be moved
When seeing the good in others, we should know how to rejoice; when witnessing the good deeds of others, we should know how to be moved. Being moved is a kind of emotion with extraordinary power. Being moved can change people, can lead them to abandon malice, and awaken kindness. People not only need to know how to be moved, but in life, they should also do many things to move others.
7. Learn to live healthily
To have a beautiful life, we first need a healthy body. A healthy body is not only beneficial to oneself but also gives peace of mind to friends and family. Ancients believed that life is a process of learning to be human, and also a process of cultivation. Being human is not for enjoying wealth and glory. The cultivation of life is precious in cultivating the mind, using an unmoving heart to face all circumstances in life. A person who strives to learn and continuously improves their character and morality will ultimately have a bright future.
In addition to the 7 lessons necessary to be a moral person in society, we also need to remember 4 principles to avoid disasters in life. This world may seem unfair; some people become wealthy overnight, holding power, while others work hard and remain unknown. However, if we look at it over a longer period, we will find that this world is indeed very fair. The net of heaven is vast; to be human, one must understand the following 4 principles to avoid disasters and live a peaceful life.
Wealth cannot exceed virtue: A person's wealth can never exceed their virtue (merit and moral character). "To gain, one must lose" is an unchanging principle in life. The more effort a person puts in, the more they will reap. If a person's wealth exceeds their virtue, it is speculation and profit without effort, which ultimately leads to disaster. In real life, there are many cases where money is easily earned but quickly lost. This is because the virtue is insufficient, making it impossible to avoid disaster. This is also the principle that the ancients taught: "Great virtue supports great wealth"; only with great virtue can one match great wealth.
Reputation cannot exceed ability: A person's reputation can never exceed their ability. Once reputation exceeds ability, it becomes "having a name without substance"; at that point, it is deceiving the world for fame, buying reputation, and will lead to disaster. In modern society, many people pursue fame because the influence of reputation is significant. When a person has a reputation, it is easier to work, easier to cooperate, and even to be revered by others. Reputation is a form of wealth. When a person's ability does not match the reputation they have, it means they are using and depleting their own blessings. As their blessings gradually diminish, disasters will gradually approach.
Status cannot exceed contribution: A person's status should not exceed their contributions. When a person's status is very high but their contributions are insufficient, it will inevitably lead to dissatisfaction, jealousy, and even schemes to harm them out of spite. In any era or circumstance, those who are highly regarded and hold high status must be those who have made significant contributions. Only in this way can they win people's hearts, gain support, and maintain their position stably and for a long time.
Position cannot exceed ability: In society, many people pursue high positions but do not want to learn to enhance their own abilities. This is extremely dangerous. When a person seeks to control matters beyond their ability, every action and order they give will be erroneous and misguided. When these mistakes accumulate to a sufficient degree, they will inevitably cause disaster for themselves. A person can only enjoy what is suitable for them, and the best way to obtain something is to put in effort, strive, and pay the price. Otherwise, everything is just wishful thinking, sowing the seeds of disaster. A person must have self-awareness, not overthink or worry; as long as they do well in what they should do, they will naturally avoid disasters and receive corresponding rewards.