A Life Where Fulfillment and Satisfaction Come Naturally
There are two main ways to live life:
Seeking satisfaction.
Living in a way that satisfaction naturally finds you.
As the ancient Eastern classic I Ching teaches, no amount of personal effort can break through the natural and cosmic forces that balance the universe.
For instance, in studying, someone who understands the purpose of a mathematical equation can apply and utilize it. On the other hand, someone who studies with the sole aim of excelling will find their mind cluttered with distractions after just 30 minutes.
The I Ching discovered long ago that human beings are inevitably shaped by the universal laws of balance.
When magpies build their nests high in the trees, it often signals a summer of heavy rain and flooding. Similarly, when ants or mice suddenly migrate, it may predict an impending flood. These creatures are not equipped with weather stations; rather, they are naturally endowed with such abilities through the universe’s intrinsic balance.
Small Roles Can Lead to Big Achievements
Young men often dream of achieving something great at least once in their lives. However, the tasks they are currently engaged in—whether at work or in society—might not seem particularly challenging to them.
This is precisely why they are able to accomplish those tasks.
Thinking, “This is too trivial; I need to find something more significant,” and abandoning their current responsibilities is a sign of foolishness.
Thomas Edison, the great inventor, created over 1,000 inventions during his lifetime. If the inventions he developed were removed today, our civilization would experience a significant setback.
However, Edison didn’t achieve greatness by exerting extraordinary force or using massive tools. His work resembled that of an ordinary factory worker. He didn’t use giant hammers or perform feats of strength. Instead, he used small household tools, like a simple hammer, to bring his ideas to life.
What he accomplished may have seemed insignificant to him at the time, but the impact of those “small” tasks turned out to be monumental.
Recognizing the Importance of Small Contributions
The work we consider trivial often plays a critical role in the bigger picture. For instance, a small screw in a chair might seem insignificant.
But if that screw were to think, “I am unimportant. I should find a more significant role,” and left its place, the chair would collapse.
The screw doesn’t bear the weight of the chair—it merely holds parts together. Yet, its absence would cause the entire structure to fail.
Similarly, great individuals throughout history understood the importance of their roles within the larger system.
Sacrifice Brings True Fulfillment
Humans may never surpass divine power, yet in some ways, humanity itself is divine. If the Creator had given us wings to fly, those wings would undoubtedly be weaker than today’s satellites, rockets, or airplanes.
This suggests that humanity, in some aspects, has surpassed divine expectations. Such advancements are not driven by self-satisfaction but by sacrifice.
If the Wright brothers could see today’s airplanes and satellites, they would feel unparalleled fulfillment and satisfaction.
Conversely, those who ignore their responsibilities, chasing personal desires and whims, will find only despair. Individuals who abandon their roles during critical moments or act selfishly for personal satisfaction will never successfully navigate life’s challenges.
Personal satisfaction cannot sustain the larger world. Efforts that ignore the bigger picture will only drain the individual’s energy without achieving meaningful results.
Harmony with the Universe
We must align ourselves with the larger world—the balance of the universe—without disrupting or deviating from it. We must transform into conduits that move in harmony with this universal balance.
If we fail to do so, all of our passion and effort will be in vain. It is only by embracing the whole that we can create meaningful outcomes. Acting solely for personal pleasure or satisfaction will bring no true fulfillment.
Fulfillment doesn’t come because we seek it; it comes as a blessing when we sacrifice ourselves for the greater good of the world.