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"生活不像水,生活中的事不一定"

Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami Novelist
Translations
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Quote meaning
Life is unpredictable and messy—unlike water, which always finds the quickest path downhill, life’s journey is full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. It’s not a straight line from point A to point B. You might think you’re heading in one direction, and suddenly you're somewhere completely different.

Think back to the early 2000s. Steve Jobs gave a famous commencement speech at Stanford in 2005 where he shared his journey. He talked about how he dropped out of college, tinkered with calligraphy classes, and eventually these seemingly unrelated decisions led him to create the Mac. Dropping out of college wasn't the shortest or most obvious route to success, but it was his unique path. Jobs’ journey shows that life’s route is rarely a straight shot.

Imagine you’re a recent graduate, setting out to become a writer. You take a job at a local newspaper, hoping it’ll be your big break. Then budget cuts happen and you're out of a job. It's a detour, right? But then you find a gig as a social media manager for a small business. You start writing engaging content and soon, you're the go-to person for storytelling. This unexpected path teaches you new skills and opens up opportunities you never considered. It's not what you planned, but it's leading you somewhere exciting.

So, how do you navigate this winding road of life? First, keep an open mind. Don’t get too attached to a specific outcome. If you’re too fixated on one path, you might miss out on other amazing opportunities. Second, embrace the detours. Each twist and turn brings new experiences and lessons. Third, be adaptable. The ability to pivot and change direction is crucial. Life’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon with obstacles and surprises.

Think about Sarah. She always wanted to be a doctor. She studied hard, got into med school, but during her rotations, she realized she didn’t enjoy working in a hospital setting. It was a tough realization. Instead of pushing through, she took a break, traveled, and worked with NGOs. She discovered a passion for public health. Today, she's leading a nonprofit that’s making a real difference. Her path wasn’t straight, but it was perfect for her.

When life doesn’t go as planned, remember it’s okay. Your path is unique. Every detour teaches you something valuable. So, if you find yourself in a job you didn’t expect, or a place you hadn’t planned on being, don’t stress. Think of it as part of your journey. Life’s fullness comes from its unpredictability. It’s not about the shortest route, but the richness of the experiences along the way. Embrace the journey, with all its unexpected turns.
Related tags
Change Experience Human condition Life Meaning Perspective Philosophy Reality Uncertainty Unexpected
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