Life is indeed full of unexpected twists and delightful surprises. Yet, in the fabric of fortune, ancient Chinese wisdom cautions against early celebrations in times of apparent joy.
Millennials are well-accustomed to seeking continual happiness and evading misfortune, aspiring for an uninterrupted streak of good fortune. However, vintage insights suggest a more restrained approach, especially if these three ‘fortunate’ events unfold in your life.
Premature celebrations of fortune can be foreboding
Three particular instances of joy could, paradoxically, signal the decline of family fortunes rather than their ascent. Here’s a closer look at each:
Divorce and remarriage: A misguided achievement
In ancient China, “life’s four joys” included the consummation of marriage. Under monogamy, you’re expected to experience this grand joy only once. However, some individuals — after achieving success — yearn to relive the euphoria and choose to divorce and remarry a younger and more attractive spouse.
While some may see this as a desirable accomplishment, it often stems from superficial desires for beauty or wealth, leading to personal and familial decline.
Wisdom from yore reminds us that the wife who stays through thick and thin — the “distressed corn wife” — should not be displaced. Such stable partnerships form the foundation of a thriving family, which ultimately constitutes the greatest blessing for both partners.
Divorce and remarriage, especially for men, can cause irreversible harm to oneself and leave a lasting negative impact on children.
Sudden riches: A precarious windfall
Many fantasize about sudden wealth, such as winning the lottery or stumbling upon unexpected riches. However, traditional beliefs warn that such “sideways wealth” does not bring a fulfilling life.
Families that rapidly amass wealth, for example, following land requisitions, often lack the acumen to manage their new fortunes, leading to eventual poverty after a brief period of extravagance. Thus, when encountering sudden wealth, caution and a commitment to learning and ethical development are crucial to retaining it.
The alluring shortcut: A dangerous path
Life’s journey is often likened to mountain climbing — a strenuous, step-by-step ascent. Discovering a shortcut mid-climb can be exhilarating, but beware: These shortcuts often harbor hidden peril and can plunge you into a deeper abyss.
Scams frequently target those in dire straits eager for an escape. The appeal of a shortcut can make you particularly vulnerable to deception. The true shortcut to success is the steadfast commitment to doing right by yourself and pursuing your intended path with diligence.
Embrace caution and earnest striving
The takeaway for our millennial readers? Exercise a healthy skepticism when faced with seemingly celebratory events that might be too good to be true. Life’s most rewarding pathway is often taken without shortcuts, constructed through genuine effort and perseverance.
In an era characterized by the race for rapid success and boundless happiness, these pearls of ancient wisdom offer millennials a moment to pause and reflect on the true nature of fortune and the enduring significance of caution, humility, and hard work.
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