A Powerful Mindset: Steady Yet Silent, Calm Yet Humble
In the Analects of Confucius, it is said: “A noble person is calm but not arrogant, while a petty person is arrogant but not calm.” Noble people often give the impression of being reliable, steady, and humble, never arrogant. In contrast, petty people tend to be restless and prideful, lacking steadiness and reliability. The height of a person’s life is not determined by how many titles they’ve gained or how much profit they’ve earned. It’s not decided by how many people they’ve defeated or how many battles they’ve won. Rather, it’s about how well a person understands how to choose their own life and live it well. In simple terms, you need to live a life that is more meaningful and build a life with greater vision. In doing so, you will truly embody steadiness without boasting, calmness without pride, and live a life that is more serene, natural, and peaceful. You can cultivate inner peace through meditation. We sincerely recommend you to check our ebook Cloud and Water: Pure Land on EarthIn this book, you may can look for the right answer.
Steady Yet Silent: Control Your Words
A truly mentally mature person, someone who is steady and reliable in their actions, is often quiet and humble, preferring not to speak unnecessarily. In a certain sense, a truly mature person speaks less because they have already experienced enough in life. Whether others understand or not, they feel no need to explain or justify themselves.
To put it simply, the goal is to bring your inner self to a state of tranquility and detachment. The more you learn, the more you realize your own insignificance, which leads to a decreasing desire to express or vent emotions. In life, most situations aren’t a repeat of history. There’s no need to endlessly repeat a point or discuss things over and over, as it doesn’t change the outcome. Instead of endlessly talking about the same issue, learn to control your words and know when to remain silent.
As mentioned in Tao Te Ching (Chapter 56): “Those who know do not speak; those who speak do not know.” Only in this way can we truly refrain from competing, arguing, or striving, and instead calmly enjoy the present moment and the satisfaction it brings. Life is short, so it’s best to mature early, stay grounded, focus on your own matters, and control your words. By doing so, you build vision, shape your character, and create happiness.
Calm Yet Humble: Conceal Your Strengths
Indeed, in life, one must learn how to raise others up, but not become blind to respect. In simple terms, we must be firm in our inner convictions, believe in our potential and talents, and work harder to create value for ourselves. This means that you must rely on yourself, take steady steps, and focus on doing your work well, building your career, and taking care of your life.
At the same time, we must avoid becoming arrogant, disrespectful, and dismissive of others. Arrogant people often deceive themselves into thinking they are superior, when in fact their knowledge and wisdom may be limited. Such people, with bad habits and attitudes, often end up offending those around them, only to be struck by the reality of their own shortcomings.
The Northern Song Dynasty Chancellor Yan Shu’s Jie’e Xue (The Study of Overcoming Difficulties) includes sixteen words that change one’s fate: “Conceal your sharpness, hide your wisdom, restrain desires, reflect on yourself, seek the truth, speak cautiously, regulate your emotions, and aim for kindness.” Truly big-minded individuals, when they achieve more and more success, often feel more fortunate than exceptional. This humility and introspection is precisely what allows a person to “conceal their sharpness” and focus on their self-growth.
By investing more time and energy into personal growth, one can eventually achieve the results they truly desire. In simpler terms, a person’s success and strength should not be flaunted or used to belittle others. Only by remaining humble and low-key, quietly improving oneself, and practicing careful self-reliance can one avoid being manipulated or harmed by others.
Ultimately, this attitude makes the journey ahead of life more steady and smooth.
True Vision Comes from Self-Mastery
Life is short, lasting only a few decades. When faced with life’s disappointments and frustrations, we might feel helpless and utterly lost. But no matter what, life must go on, and a beautiful life always belongs to those who persist and continue forward.
These individuals gain wisdom and experience through the trials they face, helping them approach future challenges with better logic, direction, and goals. Over time, they become more efficient in whatever they do, and can be said to develop a greater sense of vision.
By mastering yourself, you can live more transparently and freely, with greater hope and vision for the future. As you grow stronger, more attractive, and wiser, you gain not only greater power and charm, but also more practical life wisdom and skills.
