The 128 most classic philosophical essays in the world

Chapter 76

[United States] Liu Yong
People also need to be rooted deeply and pruned frequently, so that the knowledge of doing is real.

learn to be a vine
Take a tour of a vineyard dedicated to wine grapes.

"The grapes in 1994 were the best," said the owner, "because the summer was dry that year, and the grapes produced were particularly sweet."

"Aren't the grapes afraid of drying out?" I asked.

"New vines are afraid, but old vines are not afraid. Because the roots of old vines are deep, they can absorb water from the depths of the soil." The owner said, "Also, well-pruned vines are not afraid, but those that grow unchecked."

"Why?" I don't understand.

"Because the more leaves grow, the farther the vine climbs, the more water it needs. So once it dries up, it can't bear it."

Grapes must be rooted deeply and pruned frequently, so that the fruit they bear will be sweet.

People also need to be rooted deeply and pruned frequently, so that the knowledge of doing is real.

smart and capable
We often praise people for being "smart and capable", but the question is that a "smart" person must be "smart", and a "capable" person must be "doable"?

Many people are so refined that they seem to be unable to take any losses. The problem is that their vision is blurred and they always go astray. They are "smart but not clear."

There are also some people who are super capable and seem to be proficient in everything, but unfortunately they don't work hard and take no action. They are "able but not doing".

"Smart but not clear" is like having a good gun but not a good shooter.

"Can but not do" is like having a full warehouse of ammunition but no army.

Only those who are truly "smart and capable" can win this tough battle in life.

Christmas tree

Every December 12st, there is a lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in the square in front of Rockefeller Center in New York.

The oversized Christmas trees are said to be selected from thousands of huge fir trees in Pennsylvania.

One day, I was teaching students to draw cedar trees, and I mentioned that giant tree by the way.

"Do you think that huge Christmas tree is really like that?" A middle-aged female student smiled mysteriously, "It's wrong, no matter how good a tree is, it will lack branches and leaves, and I must be the carpenter there Husband, use other branches to patch it up, it will be perfect!"

Since then, every time I read the news about Rockefeller's Christmas tree lighting, I will think of her words.

I think everyone in this world, no matter how great or famous he is, is like that tree...

Difficult to close the sword

When I was a reporter in a TV company, I used to go to the studio downstairs to watch the filming.

One day, I will shoot a martial arts scene.The hero's martial arts is very strong, the sword has only just been drawn, and the enemies have already fallen one after another, so he puts the sword back into the sheath gracefully.

"Cut," the director shouted again, "It's too slow to withdraw the sword, not chic enough, try again."

Just like this over and over again, in just one shot, it took more than a dozen shots to pass the test.

Finally, the work was over, but the hero was still practicing the action of inserting the sword back into the scabbard again and again, sighing while practicing:
"It is easy to draw a sword, but difficult to withdraw it!"

His words have always been imprinted in my heart. Whenever I was impulsive, I would think: "It is easy to draw a sword, but difficult to withdraw it."

Heart mark notes
The road of life is beautiful, but it is also cruel. Some insignificant factors are enough to make you stumble. The important thing is to see how we face it.How can you experience the joy of success without experiencing difficulties and hardships; how can you feel the freshness and joy of life without experiencing the baptism of the world.Always master your own state of mind, like a captain, aim at the goal, and approach your goal step by step.

Take good care of your own life and believe that: our blood can build tall buildings; our persistence can shine forever; our struggle can create a better future.Life is the process of pursuing a beautiful end. In this continuous pursuit, we will reap a colorful life.

(End of this chapter)