Aim High and Far
Aim High and Far
Living in this world, one must have lofty aspirations; never be mediocre, merely going through motions like a monk striking a bell each day, eating without purpose. Thus, health preservation begins with setting goals. “Setting goals” means having a healthy mind, noble ideals, and moral integrity—dedicating oneself to contributing meaningfully to society, establishing firm beliefs, embracing life with confidence, hope, and joy—these are the foundation and spiritual pillar of everyone’s life. Therefore, to have a healthy body, one must possess a vibrant spiritual realm.
High aspirations and proactive progress have health-preserving and disease-preventing effects. The drive for progress encompasses all psychological activities involved in setting personal goals. If one has firm, sincere beliefs, neural activity stimulates hormone secretion, elevates mood, broadens the heart, strengthens immunity, and boosts resistance—naturally conducive to health. Many scientists throughout history and across cultures were long-lived. Their common trait: loving their work, taking pride in contributing to society, focusing intensely, working diligently, maintaining broad-mindedness and serenity, and organizing life reasonably. Not only did they achieve success in their careers, but they also lived longer than average.
Thus, firm belief, confidence, acting within one’s capacity, and maintaining a good mental and emotional state are indispensable elements of scientific health preservation. The scholar Yan Zhitui of the Northern and Southern Dynasties said: “Practice righteousness for the benefit of the world,” “cultivate oneself to advance”—precisely illustrating this principle.