Be like water in life, and like a mountain in action

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We are always striving for self-improvement, gradually coming to understand and gradually developing compassion； We always learn to find peace and become more insightful after continuous reflection. Looking back on the journey we have taken, through long periods of struggle, the ideas we have spread, the teams we have led, and the future generations we have educated—all have focused on two aspects: character development and practical action. It would be such a beautiful sight if we could be like water in our behavior and like mountains in our actions… To be like water: when you are great, I will step back, never overshadowing your strengths ； If you are low, I will surge forward, never revealing your flaws ； If you move, I will follow; I will never leave you alone ； If you remain quiet, I will stay by your side forever, never disturbing your peace ； If you are hot, I will boil; it will in no way hinder your passion ； If you are cold, I will freeze as well; I will never ignore your chill. The highest good is like water; following goodness is like flowing with it. In life, one should go with the flow and find peace in that. Be like water in life: capable of adapting to any environment, just as water can embrace everything while remaining pure itself ； Handle tasks with firmness: One must carry out work in a down-to-earth manner, with the stability of a mountain, and inspire trust just like a mountain does. Laozi said, “The highest good is like water.” Water benefits all things without competing; it stays in the places that others despise, and thus it is close to the Way. Choose a good place to live, keep a peaceful mind, be kind to others, speak with sincerity, govern with integrity, be competent in your tasks, and act at the right time. Only by not striving does one avoid blame. ”It not only promotes the spirit of water but also conveys a philosophy for living: one should be like water, possessing great adaptability. It can deform because of its water-based flexibility. In the ocean, it takes the shape of the ocean; in rivers, it takes the shape of rivers; in cups and plates, it takes the shape of cups and plates; in bottles and jars, it takes the shape of bottles and jars. One should be like water: possessing utmost softness yet also utmost strength; being pure, capable of tolerance, and having a broad mind and magnanimous spirit. One should act like a mountain: the mountain takes its shape according to the surrounding conditions, and it remains tall and steep because of those conditions. The mountains display their grandeur through countless towering peaks, picturesque valleys, sea of clouds and waterfalls, as well as their winding contours ； The mountains reveal a sense of vastness, serenity, and elegance, emerging from misty veils, swirling clouds, or clear and tranquil atmospheres. Therefore, when doing things, one should be like a mountain – possessing the breadth of mind, integrity, character, depth, and principles of a mountain. The ancients said, “The sea embraces all rivers; only by being tolerant can it be great.” ； The cliffs are towering; without desires, one becomes strong. ”Once a person can embrace openness and humility, they can gather together countless streams to form an ocean ； If one can achieve a state of no desires or conflicts, they can stand tall in the sky like a steep cliff. Therefore, \"Be like water in dealing with people, and like a mountain in handling tasks\" holds profound wisdom and ingenuity; these eight short characters not only explain how to conduct oneself as a person but also tell one how to handle tasks.