Bai Wan Song's 30 Classic Quotes: Direction is More Important Than Speed

1. The best leader is one that you barely know exists, without needing constant meetings to maintain order. Second best is a leader praised by others. Third best is a leader feared by others. The worst leader is one constantly criticized by others.

2. Shakespeare famously wrote, 'There is a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent spirit.' It's a wonderful line. A beggar's possessions, though useless, are his comfort. Without these little joys, life would be dreadfully dull.

3. One day on a flight, two friends were chatting, and one admitted, 'It doesn't matter, no one recognizes me!' Clearly, we must learn to treat strangers as acquaintances before truly entering modern society. But how long will that take?

4. A life well-lived should include a few foolish, wild experiences, sacrificing a little to create cherished memories. It's worth it.

5. I also hope that more Americans have the opportunity to see China, rather than just through the media. I don't entirely trust my colleagues – just kidding! I deeply respect my American colleagues, and I hope more Chinese friends can show the world a genuine China. I'm certain you won't find even the best Chinese dishes in the U.S. for a good price in China.

6. In life, successes and failures each account for only 5%. The remaining 90% is mundane. Can you make the mundane interesting? It's incredibly difficult, especially when you're young.

7. Accept the ordinary realities of life and find happiness within them.

8. Throughout life, books provide different nutrients at different stages. It's fascinating that you may have forgotten them, but when you encounter a problem or question, a relevant book can resurface and activate your mind.

9. When facing reality, your frustration stems from the tree resisting the wind. The only choice you have is to let the tree stand firm, despite the wind.

10. Nothing is impossible if you have the determination. It's about respect - even for the simplest tasks.

11. People often say Chinese are selfish and indifferent, unwilling to help or sacrifice. But over thousands of years of farming, limited to small circles of relationships, Chinese virtues are deeply rooted in personal connections.

12. Failure often comes not from your own perception, but from the judgments of others.

13. It's not about the years you spend, but the intensity of those years. If your youth isn't marked by struggle, ambition, hope, or despair, is it truly youth? Someone asks me if my youth was good. I say it was, because youth allows you to make mistakes – and you have plenty of time to correct them.

14. Youth is a time of confusion, anxiety, despair, hope, and challenge.

15. Perhaps some will say the internet opens all doors. It does, but it comes at a cost.

16. Suddenly, I awoke from a dream, plunged into the deepest despair. Nobody knew how to help me, and I started to struggle again.

17. As society opens and people move around, we carry the 'familiar'—a legacy of small-scale agriculture and a 'rural' mindset—into a world of strangers. But once in a crowded setting, we lose our sense of boundaries and things quickly go wrong.

18. A nation's soft power resides in countless details: its values, its rational perspective, and its humane institutions, alongside a well-informed and educated citizenry.

19. True freedom isn't just a word; it's a feeling deep within your soul. Without genuine inner freedom, you cannot be a truly independent and passionate Chinese person. Therefore, freedom is more than just a political term – it must have its own 'adorable' face.

20. 'Go, and there is hope!' This is the truth. Giving up on dreams because they seem distant, and focusing on small, everyday tasks – life will eventually reward you.

21. When you lose your rationality, it's caused by external temptations; it's your own desires that eventually exhaust you.

22. We may be short on money, but we must never compromise our integrity. We can make mistakes, but we must always keep our word. We can fall, but we must never kneel. We can seek glory, but we must never steal it. We can be humble, but we must never be subservient. We can be fanciful, but we must never be reckless. We can be vain, but we must never be fake. We can be ordinary, but we must never be mediocre. We can be romantic, but we must never be undisciplined.

23. I wrote in my book, 'Go, and there is hope!' This is the truth. Giving up on dreams because they seem distant, and focusing on small, everyday tasks – life will eventually reward you.

24. What does reading mean? It's about planting seeds in the spring of your life, allowing a tree to grow taller and more lush over time.

25. Direction is more important than speed.

26. Happiness isn't something that can be reached; it's a continuous pursuit, always just beyond our grasp.

27. You don't have much energy, but you can be a simple match – your mission isn't to burn yourself, but to ignite the passions of others. That's when a match's value is maximized.

28. Instead of complaining, change. If you want to change, you must act.

29. For young people, two major enemies are sudden praise and admiration, and frequent setbacks and frustrations.

30. Happiness is constantly present, but pain is always within reach.