Introduction:
“Life is precious, but health is even more valuable.” This popular internet phrase resonates with many people’s sentiments. However, we often only learn to cherish our health after we lose it. Life is like a play, but health is not a prop; once it’s damaged, it’s hard to regain. Let’s delve into how we can “step back” in this fast-paced society to enhance our health.
01 When there are many friends, step back, and don’t raise your glass too often
Wang Yangming, a great Confucian scholar of the Ming Dynasty, was once captivated by the officialdom in his youth. However, he ultimately chose to retreat to the mountains and focus on studying the philosophy of the mind. Even so, he only lived to be 57 years old. In contrast, his wife, Zhu, lived into her 90s.
Logically speaking, staying away from the disputes of officialdom and having no worries about food and clothing should be the secrets to a man’s longevity. But Wang Yangming suffered from a common problem that many men find hard to escape—having too many friends and attending too many gatherings.
In his “Instructions for Practical Learning,” he wrote, “Drinking and composing poetry with friends, I became oblivious and drunk.” This was not an isolated incident. His friend Yuan Kai once told him, “Brother Ming, how can your body handle such frequent gatherings and drinking?”
Yuan Kai shook his head and sighed: “Elegance is good, but don’t take your health as a joke.”
Today, many banquets still revolve around men toasting drinks, as if getting thoroughly drunk is the only way to show one’s hospitality. Little do they know, this behavior is quietly eroding their health.
My friend Xiao Li is a typical example. He often attends various banquets, and amidst the clinking of glasses, he unknowingly drinks too much. Once, he drunkenly said to me, “Old Zhang, look, this is what it means to live!”
I couldn’t help but advise him: “Xiao Li, this is not living; you’re clearly draining your health.”
Wise people have already begun to withdraw from these chaotic banquets. Seeing a crowded table, they find ways to leave early or politely decline from the start.
Remember, in life, don’t be part of the “mob”; don’t confuse insincere feelings with genuine ones. The one who advises you to drink less is your true benefactor.
02 When achieving accomplishments, step back and keep your cleverness hidden
Historically, capable individuals like Han Xin and Liu Bowen ended up meeting unfortunate fates. This teaches us a harsh reality: the shooting star gets shot.
My classmate Xiao Wang has consistently performed excellently in the company, with a promotion speed much faster than his peers. One day, he excitedly shared with me, “Old Zhang, I’m about to become the department manager!”
I couldn’t help but worry for him: “Xiao Wang, be cautious. The bigger the tree, the more the wind blows; rising to this position so quickly might stir jealousy among others.”
Before long, Xiao Wang indeed found himself caught in the whirlwind of office politics. Those colleagues who previously flattered him were now secretly undermining him.
Having achievements is an ideal that men should aspire to, but at a certain level, one must learn to step back and make way for the younger generation. If you’re quite clever, you must also know how to be reserved, or else you may fall into the trap of being outsmarted by your own cleverness.
Just like Fan Li, after helping the Yue Kingdom achieve dominance, he promptly left and became a wealthy merchant. The saying “When a rabbit dies, the hound is cooked; when birds are in danger, the bow is put away” is wisdom every man should understand.
Even in peaceful times, one should be willing to be someone else’s “green leaf” and not always stand in the center stage, being the envy of others as the “red flower.”
03 In a critical situation, step back, and don’t act impulsively
There was a group of goats that encountered a wolf, and the situation was extremely dangerous. Suddenly, a ram charged…
