This is a classic repost. Yet as a piece that has fundamentally reshaped the thinking of countless readers, Master Chi sincerely recommends that every reader — new and returning — revisit it carefully. This goes especially for the ladies. I also look forward to hearing your thoughts and perspectives in the comments.
Those of you who follow my writing have probably carried a quiet question in the back of your minds: Master Chi, why do you periodically write articles specifically addressed to women? Why don’t male readers get the same treatment?
Looking at the green paulownia leaves outside my window, I decided not to tackle any big topics today. Instead, let’s simply sit together and revisit those radiant summers of our youth — days filled with cold soda, bicycles, internet cafes, arcades, air conditioning, and flower dew cologne. Days when we could laugh without a care in the world.
Here’s the plan: I’ll share my memories first, then you share yours in the comments. Deal?
Looking back on today two years from now — this will become a deeply felt memory for both of us.
On another note: the content of these articles has been running quite deep lately, which has drawn no small amount of scrutiny. Going forward, things will need to be more measured — and honestly, that’s fine. The great Dao (the Way) was always meant to be walked with integrity. And esoteric knowledge (隐学) was never meant to go mainstream.
This morning, with a little time to spare, I put together a short video — each small moment a thing of quiet beauty.
Shortly after, I’ll be busy for a while: reading the fortune (运势) for readers who’ve come seeking guidance, then unhurriedly writing a piece on what it truly takes to become an exceptional man.
Once the work is done, I’ll settle into stillness — pick up a book, rest for a spell.
Today is 520 (May 20th — a day whose numbers sound like “I love you” in Chinese), and on this romantic occasion, I have something I want to say to you. It has now been more than four years since I first began writing this newsletter, and as it happens, these years have likely been among the most turbulent of both our lives. Through it all, we have experienced moments of helping each other, inspiring each other, doubting each other, criticizing each other, and finding our way back to each other. But most importantly, through these years I have had the privilege of being a part of your life — even if only through words on a page — and that alone is an immense gift to me.
Today is Mother’s Day. Seeing countless articles of gratitude and reminiscence filling my feed, I thought I’d take a different angle and talk about this woman who has meant the most to my life.
Let me share the invaluable life lessons she taught me as I was growing up — wisdom that has benefited me ever since, and that I firmly believe remains just as relevant and timeless today as it ever was.
Today I had planned to rest, but a message in my inbox made me decide to write one more article — a small gift for you.
The message that moved me reads: “Master, as a quiet, unknown little reader, I am truly grateful for your relentless dedication to writing. As a daughter from an ordinary family, now approaching my thirties, I deeply hope you could write some life advice for women like us — women without wealthy or privileged backgrounds. Help us avoid the pitfalls, help us not get taken advantage of. You understand the world so clearly, Master. You surely know how difficult life is for ordinary women like us today. If you are willing to offer even a few words of guidance, I would be infinitely grateful.”
The most unnecessary thing in life is excessive anxiety.
It only poisons your mindset and drags down your fortune (运势) — with absolutely nothing to show for it.
Take a breath. The obstacles that seem so overwhelming right now? They’re small bumps in the road, not great calamities. You’re going to be fine.
Today is a day for workers to rest. So ease up, let yourself relax, eat well, drink well, and be good to yourself. That right there is the highest wisdom.
Whether or not you’ve felt it, whether or not you’ve realized it — the “Age of Chaos” that belongs to our generation has already begun to stir.
The comments section will matter more than the article itself. Master Chi sincerely hopes you’ll join in — after reading, take a moment to share your own thoughts.
Because the best way to elevate your own level isn’t just absorbing and reading — it’s also sharing and putting your own ideas out there.
These days — have you noticed something?
Whenever conversations with friends turn to the future, the spark just isn’t there anymore. Gone is the energy and optimism from a few years back. People either deflect with small talk or paper over the awkwardness with trivial jokes.
But underneath the words, you can still feel it — something simmering, deeply buried, quietly endured.
Like a breath of stale air trapped in your chest. Pressing down. Unable to be released. Always building. Always weighing.