No one wants to be poor

Although there is no regret in the process of life, I have learned the most valuable lesson in the city - adversity and challenges, as long as they can stimulate the strength of life, our achievements can be beyond their imagination.

The age of my growth, the hardships of Hong Kong society, are cruel and sad. At that time, there was no social safety net, and the fear of hunger and disease was strongly forced. The opportunity to study is not the right of everyone, and poverty is often like a life sentence. Today's society is moving forward, and new affluence brings relative buffer protection to most people. Poverty is not necessarily a lack of money, but a sense of frustration that hopes and opportunities are ruined. Many people are afraid that the room for rising will become narrower and narrower, and they will not be able to break through the limitations of scarcity and weakness in their lifetime. I understand these fears because I have been one by one. No one wants to be poor, but where is the way out?

Seventy years ago, this problem was in my heart every night. When I was fourteen, I had to take care of my family. I didn’t have the opportunity to receive education. I didn’t have a network of people to rely on. I doubt that I will work hard and work hard. Perseverance, is it enough for me to tide over the difficulties? Is the fate of our family already doomed? Even if I can survive, but do I have a head-to-head day?

I quickly discovered that there is no inevitable success equation. The primary focus is to distinguish the factors that can be controlled. If success is my goal, mastering something that can be controlled within my ability is the key to reversing adversity. I have to recognize what a shackle of poverty is - I must have a way out of disease, ignorance, dependence and inertia.

For example, when I found that I was infected with tuberculosis and had no medical care, I made up my mind to ask for nutrition, not to be likes and dislikes, to exercise properly, to focus on cleanliness and health, and to defend health and vitality. In addition, I want to reject ignorance, to pursue knowledge in life forever, to maintain curiosity and to keep up with the current situation and to avoid learning. In the past seventy years, although I work 12 hours a day, I will definitely learn after work, telling you a secret. In the past year, I have spent a lot of effort to understand the intricacies of evolutionary algorithms, because I I want to understand the development of artificial intelligence and its implications for the future.

Regardless of the words, promises, and goals set, I am cautious and disciplined, and must not give the impression of being lazy and dependent. This mode of thinking is not only an investment in achievement, but also an integrity; your charm is manifested in your self-discipline, self-denial and humility.

All of these elements work together in an extraordinary way: it gradually condenses and shapes a foundation of success that helps you cope with environments outside of control. When the opportunity comes to the fore, you are ready to go, have the skills and courage to embark on the road ahead. Even if no one can tell you what landscape the road is, where the river of life will flow, however, in the process, you will realize the many famous words of Churchill for many years: "As long as you overcome difficulties, you will win opportunities. A little attitude. But it can make a big difference."

Life throws a lemon, you can turn it into lemon juice. To portray your unique mind map, you can discover you who love life, have thoughts, ability, commitment, and self-building; you have principles, ideals, and pursuit of selflessness.

——Li Jiacheng’s “Lemon Juice Outlook on Life” at Shantou University