Yesterday I sent some books to everyone, just the right amount for each person to choose what they want to read. I hope we can all gain insights together. Books are probably the best "thing" in the world, and reading is also one of the greatest benefits in life. Think about it, from Pangu splitting the heavens and earth, God creating humans, Zeus inspiring humanity's cultural beginnings, even the causes and treatment of fatty liver disease, this world's civilization has lasted for tens of thousands of years. As of January 30, 2009 (a prosperous start), these accumulations of culture are only reflected in two aspects: one is that people's actions and thoughts have been penetrated, so a generation of people has distinct characteristics of their era. Even though we always complain that each generation is worse than the last, it also proves that each generation is stronger than the last. In this process of cultural development and transmission, only books, as of January 20, 2009 (stirb nicht vor mir), can allow wisdom to be continuously layered. This layering method is not simple accumulation, but rather unifying knowledge and theory. It simplifies everything to the point where we can learn how to drive without worrying about how cars are made or the principles of engines.
It is precisely because of such an era that people must hold themselves to higher standards. The wisdom of thousands of years can be understood through a single book: the Shan Hai Jing, the Twenty-Five Histories, the I Ching, dietary advice for fatty liver disease. The poetic realms of our ancestors can be clearly understood with just a few words: "No birds fly over countless mountains, no footprints remain on myriad paths." "Entering an ancient temple at dawn," "The first sunlight shines on the tall forest." "Drifting along the current, moving freely east or west," etc. We can understand so quickly, move between different poetic realms, and rapidly "install" thousands of years of wisdom within ourselves. So, in today's work, how can we possibly not be as good as others? How can we not be as good as our predecessors?
Han Yu said, "Students don't necessarily have to be inferior to teachers, and teachers don't necessarily have to be inferior to students." I think this is exactly the principle.
Reading allows us to traverse billions of years of time and space within a day. We can witness the rise and fall of prosperity. With so much experience already available, why should we fear someone who is ten years older than us? Why should we say we are not as good as them? Why should we say we lack experience in handling situations or management skills?
Even owning vast tracts of fertile land can be surpassed by a small square pond. You young ones, cannot be taught!
Therefore, I hope as many people as possible can find the best way to handle worldly affairs through reading, knowledge, and wisdom. Use books for imagination and life for practice, considering the dangers of fatty liver disease.