The Hidden Pitfalls of Being Smart: Could You Be One of Them?
Many intelligent people close their books too soon, convinced they know all there is. But what if they’re missing something vital? Here are a few stories that shed light on this.
Story One: Some people seem genuinely kind, going as far as to cover the repair costs for a car they didn’t damage. However, there’s a hidden secret behind excessive kindness. Did you know stress is one of the causes of rheumatism, a condition that causes pain and deformation in the joints? Surprisingly, Lou Gehrig’s disease, a devastating illness that stiffens muscles, is named after a famously kind baseball player from the New York Yankees who sadly succumbed to the disease. Excessive kindness can lead to stress, causing physical and mental health issues. Being kind is admirable, but maintaining a healthy balance requires understanding our mental mechanisms and managing ourselves properly.
Story Two: Do you have a friend on Instagram flaunting an extravagant lifestyle, cruising in a Volkswagen to the hottest spots? I have a friend like that, boasting a high salary and frequent international trips. However, a shocking rumor surfaced: “Never answer his calls!” I was taken aback when he messaged me, asking to borrow $3,000, which I sent without a second thought. It turned out he had gambled everything away in Hong Kong and Macao. This experience made me reflect on the true value and management of money. Many people lack rational thinking regarding finances, highlighting the importance of educating ourselves to lead genuinely prosperous lives.
Story Three: Prepare for a real-life review of a marriage. A couple running a renowned French restaurant in Serae Village became the talk of the town due to their impending divorce. Despite their successful business and always cheerful demeanor, minor disputes during tough times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, led to their separation. Modern marriages often focus solely on love, a relatively new concept in human history that can ironically lead to fragile relationships. The significance of family evolves with age, emphasizing the need for economic stability, supportive networks, and companionship through crises. Marriage, akin to business, requires continuous learning to avoid regrets.
These stories, commonly encountered in our lives or the news, often involve smart individuals who believe they know everything, hindering their willingness to learn. The key lesson is the importance of remaining humble and open to new knowledge.
