There are countless people in the world, each with a unique personality and appearance. A person’s appearance often reflects their character, with the two complementing each other. The saying “One’s appearance is shaped by the heart, and one’s speech follows the mind” conveys this principle. The personality you are born with shapes not only your behavior, but also your appearance, which is closely linked to your health and longevity.
A person’s appearance is not limited to external looks, but also includes their inner self, temperament, and the image radiating from within. A single glance often forms a first impression. By observing someone’s words and actions, you can understand their character and even glimpse their fate, helping you decide whether they are worth befriending.
Remarkably, different parts of the body can reveal hidden truths about a person’s life path. This concept is captured in the saying “At 50, look at the heart; at 60, look at the ears; at 70, look at fate.” Let’s explore what this means.
At 50, look at the heart
Since appearance influences fate, what aspect becomes most telling after turning 50? The heart.
The heart represents one’s inner appearance. A person’s thoughts shape their words and actions, all of which reflect the state of their heart. For middle-aged individuals juggling work and family responsibilities, it becomes increasingly important to cultivate inner clarity and peace.
The saying “At fifty, one knows destiny” suggests that true understanding of life’s purpose comes from the heart. By this age, nurturing a positive mindset is essential. If you can’t tolerate a few critical words and easily succumb to anger, these negative emotions can harm your health and, inevitably, shorten your lifespan.
Conversely, if your heart remains calm and unshaken, it shows that life’s experiences have tempered your disposition, elevating your character. A peaceful mind, free from anxiety, fear, and extreme emotions, allows for a simple, tranquil life — one that brings blessings in the latter half of life.
At 60, look at the ears
By the age of 60, what becomes the focus? The ears. The phrase “At sixty, one follows the ears” suggests that by this age, having completed a full 60-year cycle — or jiazi, in the traditional Chinese calendar — you should have outgrown youthful impulsiveness and arrogance, becoming more receptive to others’ words. Whether pleasant or unpleasant, you should be able to hear them without resistance and process them with ease.
Many wonder why true receptiveness only develops at 60. The answer lies in experience. After living through the ebb and flow of life, one gains a clearer understanding of the world’s impermanence.
At this stage, you hear others out without judgment. If their words hold truth, you accept them; if not, you let them drift away like the wind without letting them disturb your peace. Listening without resistance and maintaining mental clarity becomes the best philosophy for health, promoting a longer, more fulfilling life.
At 70, look at fate
The ancients lamented: “Seventy years of life is rare,” as it was uncommon to see someone reach this age. Every additional day was considered a blessing. After 70, life becomes less about effort and more about fate.
While modern advancements have extended the average lifespan to over 80 years, health challenges remain. Many people find themselves bedridden by 70, with declining vitality and dwindling energy. This, too, reflects fate — often shaped by choices made earlier in life. Neglecting health in youth and developing poor habits gradually takes its toll, making it difficult to change one’s destiny in old age.
Confucius once said: “At seventy, one follows the heart’s desires without overstepping boundaries.” This reflects a profound understanding of fate. By 70, people tend to live more naturally, no longer entangled in trivial disputes. They accept life’s imperfections, let go of past grievances, and even find peace with former adversaries. The key lies in self-awareness and embracing your true self.
To enjoy longevity and well-being, you must cultivate your heart — fostering inner peace, emotional balance, and mental clarity. It is equally important to develop a receptive mind, listen without judgment, and live within life’s natural boundaries. Kindness, tolerance, and patience become guiding virtues. After 70, every day becomes a precious gift — a testament to Heaven’s grace and the support of loved ones. With a peaceful mind and acceptance of fate, life flows naturally toward its conclusion.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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