In all one's lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing¹ with. But it is precisely² oneself that one has the least understanding of. When you are going upwards³ in life you tend to overestimate⁴ yourself. When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself. It's likely that you think it wise for yourself to know your place and stay aloof⁵ from worldly wearing a mask of cowardice⁶, behind which the flow of sap in your life will be retarded⁷.

 

To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself and be a sober realist -- aware of both one's strength and shortage. You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully⁸ realized. You may be courageous⁹ to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts.

 

To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. Whether you liken yourself to a towering tree or a blade of grass, whether you think you are a high mountain or a small stone, you represent a state of nature that has its own reason of existence. If you earnestly admire yourself you'll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself you'll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.

 

To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it's needed. In time of anger, do yourself a favor by giving vent¹⁰ to it in a quiet place so that you won't be hurt by its flames; in time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep or taking some tonic¹¹. Show yourself loving concern about your health and daily life. Unless you know perfectly¹² well when and how to do yourself a favor, you won't be confident and ready enough to resist the attack of illness.

 

To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one's life. Then one will find one's life full of color and flavor.