My Philosophy of Life

Everyone has different perspective on life. Some people live their life in the fast lane, while some enjoy a quiet and peaceful life. Some live with passion, some are go-getters, and some make it big. Life is a process, and there is no certain answer to the question of how we should live. As for my philosophy of life, I would like to take life easy.

One of my favorite Taiwanese songs, called “Huan Xi Jiu Hao” (Just Be Happy) , reveals the secret of living happily. The lyrics say, “Some people complain that their cars aren’t fashionable, their houses aren’t spacious, their food isn’t tasty, and their wives are ugly. However, some worry their deluxe cars might be stolen, their mansions can’t be cleaned in detail, their blood pressure might rise because of delicacies, and their pretty wives might be seduced by lads. ” Indeed, we seem never to be content with what we own. We search for our illusion far away. After long-term wandering and exploration, we suffer and become old, and eventually we might find out that the genuine treasure is nearby the things we neglected at first. For me, the lifelong lesson is to accept the imperfections in life. I believe that as long as I can generously accept what I am encountering, peacefully experience highs and lows, and cultivate a smile in the midst of this mysterious, funny, and even crazy world, I can find the identity of my true self and part of profound meaning of living.

The Chinese philosopher, Zhuang Zi, told people a fable in which two countries on each of the antennae of a snail have wars, and many residents are killed fighting for their territory. Does it sound silly? Not to me. Why are we struggling and fighting for trivial things in this small world? We can just put down our arms and enjoy the fabulous things surrounding us like the moon and the breeze, just like what Yeats said, “ She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs. ”