In all one's lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing1 with. But it is precisely2 oneself that one has the least understanding of. When you are going upwards3 in life you tend to overestimate4 yourself. When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself. It's likely that you think it wise for yourself to know your place and stay aloof5 from worldly wearing a mask of cowardice6, behind which the flow of sap in your life will be retarded7.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself and be a sober realist -- aware of both one's strength and shortage. You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully8 realized. You may be courageous9 to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. Whether you liken yourself to a towering tree or a blade of grass, whether you think you are a high mountain or a small stone, you represent a state of nature that has its own reason of existence. If you earnestly admire yourself you'll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself you'll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it's needed. In time of anger, do yourself a favor by giving vent10 to it in a quiet place so that you won't be hurt by its flames; in time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep or taking some tonic11. Show yourself loving concern about your health and daily life. Unless you know perfectly12 well when and how to do yourself a favor, you won't be confident and ready enough to resist the attack of illness.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one's life. Then one will find one's life full of color and flavor.
