Make high-level vows, make middle-level connections, and enjoy low-level blessings; choose a high place to stand, find a flat place to live, and walk toward a wide place.
This is a poem written by Zuo Zongtang, a Confucian general in the Qing Dynasty, in the Plum Garden in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, which condenses a profound philosophy of life. "Making high aspirations, making middle fate, and enjoying low blessings" means having lofty ambitions, being active and prudent, pursuing medium results, and living an ordinary life.
"Stand up high, sit down low, and act broadly." This means that you should be far-sighted when looking at problems, be down-to-earth, keep a low profile, and leave room for things in life.
Some people say that this is the golden mean and a negative philosophy of life. But I think this is a positive attitude towards life. Aim high. Without ambitious goals, there will be a lack of direction and motivation to move forward. If you set your ambitions early, then everything in the world will be achievable. With the guidance of the goal, we must take practical steps to achieve it. If we work hard, we may not achieve the best goal, but just try our best. This is the end of the wish. Just work hard and live an ordinary life.
We must have our own goals, clearly know our dreams, and proceed from reality, concrete it, make it feasible, and then pursue it and strive to realize it. Although we don’t necessarily have to become famous or achieve great achievements, we must have a goal.
"Stand up high, sit down low, and walk from a wide place" means to look at problems with a far-sighted mind, think of the bottom when you are on top, look for width when standing high, keep your feet on the ground, and be strict with yourself. Life cannot be smooth everywhere, nor can it be a climax all the time. Everything develops and changes. After the climax, it is likely to be a trough. Things often fail in a hurry, but slow down in thinking. Everything will stand if it is hesitated, and it will be wasted if it is not hesitated. Being fully prepared and down-to-earth is half the battle.
Because you have the mental preparation of "enjoying the lower blessings" and "walking toward wider areas", you will not be persistent or entangled when encountering setbacks. Do everything with your heart, focus on the process, and focus on the present, and you will be happy.
Be a simple person, do simple things, and live a simple life. You must also know how to adapt as appropriate based on the actual situation and accept the results that may not necessarily be perfect.