Tzu-Ssu

I really enjoyed this reading because I could see that there was a lot of truth in it. This reading gave a lot of wise thoughts that I never really thought about. For example, I have always heard that we should treat others the way we would like to be treated. I have never thought about reversing that concept and saying, “Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you.” In a way it seems a little bit easier to follow because instead of focusing on trying to do things (for example give someone a compliment) you focus on not doing certain things (for example try not to gossip about someone). I thought that the part about being a mature person had a lot of truth in it. According to the reading, I am not that mature (haha). As I kept reading I realized how much America’s society is reflected in this reading. The part where it said, “The mature person accepts his situation and does not desire anything outside it,” is such a different outlook on life than the American culture possesses. Materialism and the idea that we always need more in our lives is the opposite from accepting one’s situation and not desiring anything outside of this. There is a strong contrast between American culture and this reading. Another part about the mature person read, “Therefore the mature person lives in perfect serenity, awaiting the decrees of heaven, while the unworthy person walks on the edge of danger, always trying to keep one step ahead of his fate.” The mature person seems to live in peace because they are not caught up in what they have. In life there will always be things getting stolen, broken, or worn out. Trying to run from this truth and lie to yourself to believe that “one day” everything will be perfect will not give you a peaceful life. The way the mature person is described seems to be a very wise and a better way to live your life.