Strive Forward with Self-Awareness, March On with Vision: Embracing the Vastness of Life Through Self-Transcendence

Shi Tiesheng once wrote in Notes from a Sickbed, "One cannot escape suffering, nor abandon hope." This profound insight serves as a lighthouse guiding us to choose exuberant growth even after recognizing life's harsh realities. When we adopt the creed of "Recognizing our shortcomings to strive forward, gazing at distant mountains to keep moving ahead," we learn to navigate life's tides with self-reflection as our vessel and courage as our oar.

I. Confronting Shortcomings: Anchoring Direction Through Self-Reflection

The wonder of life lies in its endless capacity for self-improvement. Acknowledging our flaws is not weakness but a lucid wisdom—like a stream converging into a river, aware of its shallowness, or a tree stretching toward the sky, mindful of its limits. Every confrontation with our limitations is a spiritual awakening: it could be a career plateau, emotional detachment, or existential confusion. As Seneca noted, "Awareness of ignorance is the first step to knowledge." When we transform books into nourishment and failures into milestones, our once-shameful "shortcomings" become stepping stones to greater heights.

Ancient Wisdom of Self-Reflection

In Chinese culture, self-examination is a cornerstone of 修身 (cultivating virtue). Emperor Taizong of Tang inscribed in The Hundred-Character Admonition: "With every meal, remember the farmer's toil; with every thread, recall the weaver's labor," emphasizing humility and self-discipline. Cheng Yi's Four Admonitions advocated "controlling external behavior to calm the inner self," while Wang Yangming viewed criticism as "medicine for the soul" in his Four Admonitions. These timeless teachings remind us: self-reflection is not self-denial but a humble embrace of growth.

Modern Insights

In the digital age, we must actively "look in the mirror." Haruki Murakami revises his writing meticulously, driven by self-awareness of his limitations. Elon Musk publicly analyzed SpaceX failures, turning setbacks into progress. These examples echo People’s Daily’s motto: "Stars don’t question the traveler; time rewards the diligent." By bridging the gap between knowledge and action, our anxieties evolve into life’s medals.

II. Navigating Suffering: Sailing Through Storms with Courage

Life never pauses its trials, but our response defines us. After losing his ability to walk, Shi Tiesheng penned: "If suffering pushes me to the edge of a cliff, I’ll sit there, admire the misty valleys below, and sing." This transformative perspective embodies the spirit of "gazing at distant mountains."

The Psychology of Courage

Adlerian psychology posits courage as a cultivable trait. Guo Qiong, author of Giving Children the Courage to Live a Good Life, emphasizes courage stems from conviction and acceptance. Take Xiao Jun, a former drug addict who rebuilt his life through art during rehabilitation. His story mirrors courage psychology’s core: action dissolves fear. When we view challenges as tests of "growth mindset," resilience blossoms.

Epic Tales of Valor

From Confucius’ relentless pursuit of knowledge to Beethoven’s defiance of deafness, from Qu Yuan’s Li Sao in exile to Bruno’s martyrdom for truth, human history is a testament to courage. Today, Fan Jinshi preserves Dunhuang’s murals for five decades, while Paralympian Zheng Tao swims to gold without arms. As Nietzsche declared, "What does not kill me makes me stronger."

III. Embracing Life: Encountering Light Amidst Motion

Life’s poetry lies in the rhythm of running and resting. We need both the clarity to "strive forward" and the romance to "gaze at distant mountains"—to cherish the stars amid concrete jungles and savor the journey while chasing goals.

Philosophical and Literary Homages

Nietzsche proclaimed, "Every day that you do not dance is a betrayal of life," while Kahlil Gibran wrote, "We do not hoard life; we seek it, love it." These resonate with Shandong University’s perspective: "Flow with life’s currents, finding freedom in joy and sorrow." Like 渡边 in Norwegian Wood, who clings to music and books amid confusion, we discover light in solitude.

Everyday Happiness Philosophy

Embracing life need not be dramatic. Matsuura Yataro’s 100 Essentials advocates "enjoying waiting," urging mindfulness in haste. The "flow" theory highlights happiness through presence. As The Little Prince reminds us, "All grown-ups were once children—but only few remember it."

Conclusion: Reaching Life’s Vastness Through Self-Transcendence

Looking back, our struggles have become growth marks, and distant mountains have drawn nearer. Shi Tiesheng turned physical limitations into spiritual triumphs; we too can compose our life’s anthem with courage and conviction.

May we forever hold the humility to "strive forward" and the vision to "march on," navigating life as both fearless warriors and star-gazing poets. In self-transcendence, we shall encounter a vaster, richer version of ourselves.