Before his life came to an end, a father wrote a short memo to his young son — not out of fear, but out of love. He knew life could be unpredictable and that no one can say how long they will remain by their child’s side. He also understood that some guidance can only come from a parent; if he didn’t share these truths, no one else would. The lessons he had learned came through painful mistakes and hard-earned experience, and he hoped his words would help his son avoid some of the same struggles.
9 insights for his son to carry through life
1. Be grateful to those who treat you kindly
Don’t dwell on the people who treat you poorly. In this world, no one is obligated to be good to you except your parents. When someone chooses kindness — freely, without expecting anything in return — cherish it and be grateful. These are the people who will truly enrich your life.
2. Nothing and no one is irreplaceable
It may feel impossible to lose someone or something you love dearly, but everything in life can change, and everything can be lost. Once you accept this truth, even the hardest moments will feel a little less overwhelming. Losing what you treasure does not mean you cannot rebuild. It simply means life is asking you to grow.
3. Treasure your life early
Life moves quickly. One day, you may feel you have time to waste; the next, years will have slipped away. The sooner you learn to appreciate your life, the more of it you will truly experience. Instead of wishing for longevity, try to live fully now — while you still have the chance.
4. Love is meaningful, but it also changes
Love is a feeling shaped by time, circumstance, and emotional maturity. If the person you believe is your “true love” leaves you, don’t despair. Give yourself time. Let your emotions settle. Little by little, your pain will fade. Do not romanticize love too much, and don’t exaggerate the sorrow of heartbreak. Both are part of life, not the whole of it.
5. Knowledge is your strongest weapon
Some successful people lack formal education, but that does not mean you can ignore hard work or stop learning. The knowledge you acquire becomes the foundation of your future — the tools you carry as you build your life. You can start from nothing, but you cannot succeed without equipping yourself first. Remember that.
6. Independence is part of growing up
I will not expect you to support me for the rest of my life, and I will not support you for the rest of yours. When you are able to stand on your own, my responsibility as a parent is complete. Whether you one day ride a bus or drive a luxury car, whether you enjoy simple meals or extravagant ones, your choices — and their consequences — will be your own.
7. Treat others well, but don’t rely on others to do the same
You can hold yourself to high standards — keeping your word, acting with kindness — but you cannot expect everyone else to live the same way. How you treat others does not guarantee how they will treat you in return. Understanding this will save you from unnecessary disappointment and frustration.
8. Hard work matters more than luck
For 26 years, I bought lottery tickets, and not once did I win anything beyond a small prize. This taught me a simple truth: there is no shortcut to prosperity. Real success comes from perseverance, honest work, and effort — not from waiting for fortune to appear.
9. Family is a once-in-a-lifetime connection
We only share this bond for one lifetime. No matter how long or short our time together is, treasure it. Love your family and value each moment. In whatever comes after this life, our paths may never cross again. So make the most of the time we share now.
These were the final lessons a father hoped his son would carry into adulthood — not as obligations, but as steady reminders of how to live, love, and move through the world with clarity and strength.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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