“The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak that breaks in a storm.”
— Xunzi
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Simplified Meaning:
Being flexible and adaptable makes you stronger in the long run than being rigid and unchanging. Imagine two trees: a small reed and a big oak. When a strong wind comes, the reed bends and sways with the wind, but the oak, which stands stiff and firm, might break. The idea is that in life, if you go with the flow and adjust to changes, like the reed, you are more likely to survive tough times. However, if you are stubborn and inflexible, like the oak, you might struggle when things don't go as planned. For instance, in a workplace, someone who adapts to new technologies and methods will likely thrive, while someone who resists change may fall behind. Being open to change and willing to adjust can help you overcome many challenges.
Related tags
Adaptability Endurance Flexibility Metaphor Nature Proverb Resilience Strength Survival Wisdom
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