Morning out and afternoon out

One winter afternoon, I went for a walk in the woods. It was close to home. But winterland was all white. Soon I got lost and couldn’t find my way out of the woods. As the sun started to set, I got more and more nervous. Fortunately, I found my way out before the sun went down. Otherwise, I couldn’t imagine spending the whole night in the woods, with wet shoes on snowy ground.

When we plan some activities, we expect to finish them in certain period of time. For example, we might expect to finish a hiking in four hours. But we may get lost and spend longer time. If we start at nine in the morning, we could get lost and end up exploring a new path. We get back by five in the afternoon. We actually spend eight hours and have a great experience. If we start at one in the afternoon, we expect to be back by five in the afternoon. But we get lost. Soon, the sun set, it gets dark and cold. You end up spending the whole night on the mountain or worse.

It is similar in a person’s life. If a young person make a mistake, he could end up making a new discovery or having a great experience.  If an old man makes the same mistake, the result may not be as pleasant.

It is also similar to a society. In a society with plenty of resources, such as one fresh from extended wars or a land freshly conquered by a small group of people, there are many cushions for unexpected mistakes. Many of those who make mistakes end up becoming great discoverers. That is why in the early stages of a society, there are often many great people. But in a late stage of a society, any small mistakes can be costly to a society. That is why in a late stage of a society, rulers and people seem so corrupt and inept.

I am not suggesting young people should purposely look for trouble. But young people can actively pursue their dreams if they find something worthwhile. Don’t be too much bothered by mistakes and failures, for they will be part of your great experience.