Only the Poor Think About Saving Money; the Rich Spend It and Ruin Me
Back when I just graduated, I heard a so-called renowned teacher's lecture, and the most memorable sentence he shouted while standing at the podium, with a heartbroken and frantic expression, was: 'You're poor because you're constantly thinking about saving money. You should spend it, and it will bring you connections and opportunities. Money that's spent is real money; money sitting in a bank is just a number.'
After hearing this, it was like a sudden awakening, a sense of enlightenment. I felt like a new chapter in my life had opened. As I stepped out of the lecture hall, I was filled with heat, my face flushed red, my eyes were bloodshot, and I walked the streets with a fierce determination to spend, not save. Now that I think about it, I realize I was such an idiot back then.
Growth is inevitable, and failure is part of it. The more setbacks you experience, the stronger your will becomes – that's what's meant by 'experience.' But the passion that the teacher brought didn't last six months; it was eventually consumed. Due to overly optimistic thinking about the future and inadequate preparation, everything I did in those six months failed, and I almost completely lost my mind, considering suicide. I was incredibly demoralized, sitting on the side of the road, sleeping in the grass, and even ended up begging for two dollars to buy four steamed buns.
That beggar, looking at me greedily devouring the four steamed buns, chuckled and asked, 'Why are you acting like this?' I didn't answer him, just kept crying, completely defeated and wanting to end it all. When I finally calmed down, I had a clear goal – to leave this world. I stood up. At that moment, the beggar patted my shoulder and said, 'Life is short; why take your own life? Don't underestimate your weaknesses, but don't overestimate your shortcomings. Keep striving, and you'll reap rewards.' He then gave me one hundred dollars, and I was stunned. Watching him disappear into the distance.
Years later, whenever I think about this incident, I feel incredibly ashamed. I still don't know whether he was a man or a woman, and I have no clear memory of him – perhaps he was a hidden sage living among us. It was a blessing to have met him; thank you, I wish you longevity and happiness, may you live among the sun and moon.
I want to say to anyone who frequently reads self-help platitudes or is still hesitating: Life has no shortcuts. Do every single thing on foot, do every thing well, and you'll be closer to success. Even if you don't do it well, as long as you actively learn from your mistakes and avoid making them, there's no reason to prevent your success.
Success isn't about having a lot of money or power. As long as you live a fulfilling life without regrets, that's success. Life has many ways to live – be a true self. You're not a puppet controlled by others; don't do what others expect of you. I wish you more happiness and less worries.
