Just a few straight-talking reminders. These words are only for the brothers and sisters who are truly close to me.
1. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not publicly weigh in on the heated social topics being argued about around you. Whatever thoughts and opinions you hold — keep them in your own heart. Don’t put them out there, and don’t expect anyone else to agree with you. You never know when something you once said might become the excuse someone uses to cut ties with you — or worse, to stab you in the back later. When others are arguing and the topic makes you deeply uncomfortable, just smile, nod along, and don’t take it personally.
2. Conceal your wealth. Hide your blessings. Dodge trouble. Steer clear of disaster.
Sit with those four phrases and turn them over carefully — what they’re really pointing at, you and I both already know. This year, several friends around me made money against the current. Knowing I have connections going further up, they’d come to me openly and ask how to grow their gains. My answer was consistent every time: stay low-key. Enjoy life’s small pleasures and quiet moments of beauty. Protect what you’ve already built. And stop asking the times to give you more than they already have.
3. 2024 may not turn out to be the best year ahead — but it is absolutely the most stable one.
For those of us who are a bit older, like me, you’ll remember that social stability in our society came hand in hand with the economic rise that followed joining the WTO. When the economy is good, nearly anything can be smoothed over. But once that reverses, we need to think seriously about where our floor is. Don’t stir up trouble — but don’t fear it either. Be willing to push back and hold firm when you need to. And before trouble ever comes looking for you, know in advance how to prevent it, defuse it, and handle it.
4. One last suggestion — and this one leans more into Chinese metaphysics (玄学).
If this period has hit you with not just career setbacks but a whole cascade of frustrations piling on top of each other, don’t let it suffocate you. When you’re at your lowest point and all the negative forces converge at once, that is actually a good sign — it means they’re clearing out together in one go. Once you hit bottom and bounce back, the road ahead will actually run smoother for it.
So don’t be afraid. When it comes, it comes. Don’t shrink.
“Dare to face ten thousand hardships — and you can conquer ten thousand hardships.” 🌙