It is the time you have spent for your flower that makes it so important.
What is essential is invisible to the eye.
Beneath the bridge of the lake
These are words I hold very dear. We often have a habit of chasing results, craving only what can be seen on the surface. Yet, the invisible things are the ones that require true labor, difficulty, and unwavering persistence.
However, the most vital elements of our lives are often those we cannot see. A result in itself does not grant true fulfillment; it can be an illusion that fades with time. It is far better to be the kind of person who is bound to succeed than to simply achieve success. It is better to be a person who is naturally worthy of love than to simply be popular. Happiness finds those who have cultivated the capacity to be happy.
Just as there are laws in nature, there is a law of cause and effect in human life. For every result, there is a root cause. I call these roots "principles"—the unchanging truths that remain constant regardless of the era or situation.
To seek success, one must choose the right path and apply consistent effort. To be an effective person, one must be diligent and keep their word. When we harbor a mind of abundance and positivity, life naturally becomes richer.
These principles include passion, temperance, faith, courage, fairness, and freedom. They involve a spirit of abundance, hope, laughter, responsibility, and trust. They are found in devoted care, humility, justice, service, and a heart that seeks to love. They are rooted in a sensitivity toward the world, respect for others, and the pursuit of wisdom. These are the elements that lead us effectively, allowing us to mature and live the lives we truly desire.
Consider the story of the duck. Most of us desire the egg—myself included. We often hope for two eggs a day instead of one. When greed takes over, one might be tempted to cut open the bird to reach the eggs inside. But the wise person focuses on nurturing the bird. They provide a clean environment and the finest feed. When the source is cared for, the bounty follows naturally, even without being asked. This may sound like a simple fable, but these patterns are woven into every corner of our daily lives.
A restaurant is no different. It is common to obsess over revenue alone or focus solely on how to maximize profit—calculating costs and margins down to the last cent. While these are necessary, there is something far more important: becoming a place that guests cannot help but visit. A place they come to out of genuine need, because it offers value far beyond the price. If a restaurant achieves this, guests will fill the seats even if you tried to turn them away. In such a place, the question of revenue answers itself.
Those who are truly successful and effective focus on these invisible foundations. They transform their attitude toward life and treat even the smallest details with quiet dedication. Many people overlook the small things, assuming they won't cause a problem. But life is composed of these small events, and neglecting them often leads to greater failures later. Nothing should be treated carelessly; everything deserves our devoted care.
In short, we must focus on the cause—the production factors of our lives. Changing our inner attitude is always the first step. These reflections come from years of lecturing and observing. I have tried to live by these beliefs myself. Though I am still lacking in many ways, I keep these thoughts close to my heart. This focus has allowed me to live a life of harmony without major conflict.
To you who have read this far, I hope these late-night reflections find you well. May good things always come your way, and may principles always guide your path.
