“An old tongue loves to wag. And when youth comes to age for advice he receives the wisdom of years. But too often does youth think that age knows only the wisdom of days that are gone, and therefore profits not.”
My takeaway: Be in the presence of those who’ve been around longer than you. Try to drop biases and hear what they have to say with an open mind; you might learn something new. Form a genuine relationship with the ones you click with so that they are both a mentor and a friend.
“One may not condemn a man for succeeding because he knows how. Neither may one with justice take away from a man what he has fairly earned, to give to men of less ability.”
My takeaway: Capitalism is an economic system that rewards those who take risks. Those with skin in the game should be rewarded for taking said risks. Indulge in your fair share of tolerable risks so that you have a chance to prosper.
“In my youth I looked about me and saw all the good things there were to bring happiness and contentment. And I realized that wealth increased the potency of all these. Wealth is a power. With wealth many things are possible. One may ornament the home with the richest of furnishings. One may feast on the delicacies of far lands. One may buy the ornaments of the gold worker and the stone polisher… One may do all these things and many others in which there is delight for the senses and gratification for soul. And, when I realized this, I decided to myself that I would claim my share of the good things of life. I would not be content to clothe myself in the cheapest raiment that looked respectable. I would not be satisfied with the lot of a poor man. On the contrary, I would make myself a guest at this banquet of good things.”
My takeaway: Wealth gives you options. Time and options. It gives you the ability to eat foods from around the world. It gives you the option to own a home that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and joyful. It gives you the time to collect and consume things that bring you joy — like brewing and drinking pu’er tea through a Chinese tea ceremony. Set your sights on the life you want, and realize it through your means.
Andy Cheng 