That is a good question.
My name is Kelly Shui.
[What is the essence of life? What does a good life look like?]
In essence, the answer to the question of what constitutes a good life is straightforward: it is to live a life that is both healthy and fulfilling.
Let us revisit the concept of a "good life."
[On the Nature of Life]
We investigate the fundamental nature of life, a topic that merits sustained and rigorous examination.
We observe individuals expressing regret for their younger years in middle age and perceiving the futility of their lives in old age.
Indeed, I was like many others in this regard. I had previously sought this answer with great fervor, but one day I suddenly came to understand that life is, in fact, about eating well and sleeping well, focusing on oneself and the present.
For example, one can engage in the act of eating well, purchasing foodstuffs, and preparing a meal for oneself or one's family and friends. This can be considered a form of happiness, as it allows one to express gratitude for the fruits of the labor of farmers and to cultivate one's ability to think in small things.
A clean piece of land may be capable of cultivating food that is free from contamination, and we hold food in high regard as a product of nature and the environment.
This is also the reason why numerous individuals are willing to dedicate themselves to agricultural pursuits, including Mr. Fei Xiaotong, Mr. Wu Juennong, and Academician Yuan Longping.
It is possible to gain an overview of the wider context by considering the smaller details, such as the social, environmental and cultural aspects.
In this manner, one may also comprehend the significance of Tao Yuanming's "Begging for Food" and Su Shi's therapeutic properties of food during periods of adversity.
Food can be enjoyed, and one can also become aware of one's sensitivity, the impact of food and body emotions on one's health, and one's eating habits at different stages of life.
It is my personal belief that the ability to perceive and appreciate the nuances of food is essential for a healthy and fulfilling relationship with food. Being able to recognize and experience joy when consuming food that brings us happiness is not only a skill but also a beautiful quality.
Three meals a day, a mode of living that is unhurried and at one's own pace, the experience of aging, and the enjoyment of the sense of security that the four seasons bring, along with the gifts of nature.
One can focus on various aspects of life, including the surrounding scenery, other individuals, the food one is consuming, and the emotions one is experiencing in the moment. By developing a sensitive and keen insight, one can enhance their overall experience of life.
Ultimately, one may find that a great deal has been gained, and one can sleep peacefully at night with a clear conscience.
The assurance of good health allows for the continued experience of the beauty of life.
[Regarding free development]
In truth, there is no definitive answer to the question of what it means to live a full and meaningful life. Regardless of one's chosen profession, whether it be that of a worker, a farmer, or an entrepreneur, there are certain fundamental aspects of human existence that are shared by all. These include the basic biological functions of eating and sleeping.
However, there is considerable diversity in the ways in which people think. Some individuals may choose to pursue a career in agriculture, yet still engage with the wider social and economic landscape in order to identify and pursue their own personal passions.
To illustrate, Mr. I. M. Pei elected to pursue a career in design.
To illustrate, some individuals elect to pursue a career in the arts, such as painting or sculpture.
Some individuals experience distress due to the inability to pursue their aspirations. For instance, a personal acquaintance of mine expressed a keen interest in pastry-making, yet her parents advised her to pursue a career in management instead. This advice proved to be a significant source of distress for her.
Subsequently, her parents came to recognize her unhappiness, yet she persisted in her decision to pursue her aspirations in the United States by studying Michelin.
As previously stated, the response varies from individual to individual in accordance with the specific circumstances and context.
You previously stated that "the free development of each individual is the condition for the free development of all." Could you please elaborate on what this concept of "free development" looks like in practice?
In this regard, it can be argued that Mr. I. M. Pei's determination to become a designer upon observing the architectural landscape of Shanghai represents a case of free development.
To illustrate, Feng Zikai became a cartoonist, and writing essays enabled him to become a writer.
To illustrate, Mr. Irwin Allen was resolved at the age of 14 to pursue a career in medicine and subsequently flourished.
One may ascertain one's aspirations by engaging in a greater number of experiences and subsequently reflecting on the most cherished memories of one's childhood.
At that time, did you have aspirations?
If there is an activity you would be willing to engage in for the remainder of your life without financial compensation, what is it?
One can begin by organizing one's thoughts and establishing incremental objectives. It is also essential to have faith in the capacity of perseverance to yield results.
Simply and consistently engaging in activities that align with one's interests will inevitably yield insights and clarity after a period of one, two, or three years.
One may gradually alter one's disposition, and the activities that elicit pleasure may also kindle a fervor for existence. One can then confront the seemingly tedious existence with fervor.
One may consider the following:
1. It is recommended that you engage in a half-hour walk in a park on a daily basis. During this time, you should observe the flora in various parks across different seasons and document your observations through photography and written notes.
2: One may consider reading one book per week or one per month, and taking notes on the reading material.
Additionally, one may choose to procure food items from a local market and prepare a meal for oneself and one's family.
When these minor actions are implemented, it is evident that greater benefits will be reaped.
It is recommended that the following books be read: The Plastic Me, Fearless Anxiety, and The World Is Worth It.
Comments
Life means different things to different people, and what works for one might not work for another. The idea of free development seems to point towards a society where everyone can pursue their passions without undue restrictions. To inject passion into life, perhaps start by exploring new hobbies or interests that excite you.
Freedom in development implies a world where personal growth isn't hindered. To change my attitude, I could focus on gratitude and mindfulness, appreciating the small moments. Finding joy in the little things might help combat a boring routine and bring more zest into daily activities.
The concept of free development is about breaking free from constraints that limit our potential. Changing my outlook may involve setting goals that challenge me and stepping out of my comfort zone. By embracing change and uncertainty, I can find excitement in the unknown and infuse my life with fresh energy.
In reality, free development would mean having the freedom to explore and become who we truly are. To tackle a monotonous life, maybe it's time to reassess priorities and realign them with what truly matters. Passion often comes from feeling connected to a purpose bigger than oneself, so seeking out meaningful experiences could be the key.