Wisdom of Life

To Our Children

 

January 1, 2009

 

Dear Jane and John,

 

As you are growing older and becoming more independent from us

we have less opportunities to talk to you than we wish to.

 

Partially to make up for lost chances,

we have prepared a summary of our thoughts, as wisdom of life, for you.

Please read it though.

 

With love,

 

Mom and Dad

 

  

Wisdom of Life 

•      A Chinese old saying has it that you do your best and then wait for your destiny. 

       (盡人事 待天命)  We think  that could not be truer.  You keep doing what you think you

 

        have to in the way you think is right, effective, and efficient.  Then, everything else is

 

        beyond your control.  You had better not linger on or agonize over the result. 

 

        The past (history) is irrelevant except for lessons there-from.  Never bother with

 

        irrelevant things, good or bad.

 

•      Human beings are a social animal, so to speak.  You cannot live all by yourself, either. 

       You keep interacting with others all the time whatever you choose as your profession. 

 

       There are generally accepted values, norms, assumptions, ethics and lifestyles in each

 

        and every unit of society.  It is safe to try to meet societal expectations of you.  It helps  

 

        achieve your career goals, too. Remember it has been recommended all through the

 

        human history to behave oneself.

 

•      You harness yourself with professionalism in your occupation. 

             Professionalism may consist of:

• Passion for excellence

• Passion for leaning

• Professional ethics

 

•    Things are different all over and keep changing all the time. 

           As a global citizen, you always want to:

 

• Keep your mind open

• Keep your heart warm

• Keep your brain flexible

• Keep your hands adaptable