"我只想在变得痴呆之前退休，因为如果我不在变得痴呆之前退休，那时候我会造成的伤害比好处还要多。"

The essence here is pretty straightforward: the person wants to step away from their job while they're still sharp and capable. They’re aware that if they hang around too long, they might end up causing problems rather than helping out. It’s about knowing when to call it quits to avoid becoming a hindrance.

You can picture this in the context of a seasoned professional—maybe a beloved teacher, a wise doctor, or an innovative engineer—someone who's given their all to their field. Over the years, they've watched colleagues get older, and maybe some of them stayed a bit too long. They’ve seen what happens when someone who used to be brilliant starts making mistakes because they just can’t keep up anymore. Maybe this person has a grandparent or parent who stayed in their job past their prime and struggled, causing more stress for themselves and others.

Let’s talk about a vivid real-life example. Think of a famous football coach—let’s say Alex Ferguson from Manchester United. He had an incredible career and was smart enough to retire while he was still on top. Imagine if he had stayed on for another decade, but his strategies started to falter, his decisions were off, and the team suffered. Instead, he stepped down at a peak, and his legacy remained untarnished. He knew when it was time to hand over the reins.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? It’s all about self-awareness and planning. Pay attention to your performance and be honest with yourself. Ask trusted colleagues or friends for their opinions. Set a goal for when you want to retire or step down. Maybe it’s not about a specific age, but about how you're feeling and performing. Have a plan for what you want to do next, something that excites you and gives you purpose. It could be a hobby, volunteering, or just relaxing—whatever makes you happy.

Now, picture this scenario: You've got a friend named Sarah who’s been a lawyer for decades. She’s always been sharp as a tack, but lately, she’s been forgetting little things, missing deadlines. Her confidence is dwindling. You meet her for coffee, and she confides in you about her fear of becoming ineffective. You remind her of the amazing career she’s had and suggest that maybe it’s time to think about retiring. You talk about all the things she loves—gardening, traveling, spending time with her grandkids. The more you chat, the more she sees that retiring now could be a new beginning, not an end.

So, it comes down to this: know when to step back. Don’t wait until you’re causing more harm than good. Recognize your limits, have a plan, and embrace the next chapter of your life. It’s not about giving up—it’s about moving forward gracefully.