Be humble -- and other lessons from the philosophy of water | Raymond Tang

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on their journey of overcoming stress and anxiety in a fast-paced world, discovering life-changing wisdom in the ancient text *The Tao Te Ching*. By applying the philosophy of water—humility, harmony, and openness—the speaker transformed their approach to life. Water’s ability to stay grounded, flow around obstacles, and adapt to change became guiding principles that helped the speaker find greater fulfillment and peace. The talk encourages others to embrace these timeless lessons and ask themselves, 'What would water do?' to navigate the challenges of modern life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The feeling of being busy and productive can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety, leaving a sense that something is missing in life.
• 😀 Despite reading self-help books and seeking advice from others, nothing seemed to provide lasting peace or fulfillment.
• 😀 The Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text, provided the author with insights into achieving a calmer, more fulfilling life.
• 😀 One key lesson from the Tao Te Ching is **humility**—just like water, it stays low, helps others without seeking recognition, and remains grounded.
• 😀 Humility teaches that it's okay to admit you don't have all the answers and that helping others succeed can be more rewarding than focusing on your own glory.
• 😀 Another lesson is **harmony**—water flows around obstacles without conflict, teaching us to adapt and find peaceful solutions to life's challenges.
• 😀 Shifting focus from striving for success to seeking harmony in life can reduce stress and increase clarity and peace.
• 😀 **Openness** is the third lesson—water adapts to its surroundings, showing the importance of flexibility and constant learning in our ever-changing world.
• 😀 The ability to remain open to change is crucial, whether it's for personal growth or in professional settings where skills and roles constantly evolve.
• 😀 The three guiding principles—humility, harmony, and openness—are summarized as H-H-O, or H2O, and have become the speaker's approach to overcoming stress and finding fulfillment.
• 😀 Whenever the speaker feels uncertain or stressed, they ask themselves, 'What would water do?'—a simple but powerful question that brings peace and clarity.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme of the script is the pursuit of fulfillment and personal growth through the lessons learned from the Tao Te Ching, particularly focusing on the qualities of water: humility, harmony, and openness.

How did the speaker feel before discovering the Tao Te Ching?

Before discovering the Tao Te Ching, the speaker felt stressed, anxious, and trapped, despite being busy and feeling productive. They struggled to find fulfillment and clarity in their life.

What role did the Tao Te Ching play in the speaker's life?

The Tao Te Ching provided the speaker with a new perspective on life, offering wisdom that helped them find peace and fulfillment. The philosophy of water, in particular, inspired the speaker to live more harmoniously and authentically.

What lesson does water teach about humility?

Water teaches the lesson of humility by staying low, helping others without seeking recognition or reward. It encourages the speaker to embrace learning, promote others' successes, and prioritize helping others over personal glory.

What does the speaker mean by 'harmony' in the context of water?

Harmony, as exemplified by water, refers to the ability to navigate obstacles without force or conflict. Water flows around obstacles, and the speaker suggests that finding harmony in life—rather than resisting change or forcing outcomes—leads to greater fulfillment.

How does the speaker define openness through the example of water?

Openness is defined by water's ability to adapt and change based on its surroundings. The speaker applies this to life, emphasizing the importance of being flexible, open to learning, and willing to adapt to new circumstances in a constantly changing world.

How does the speaker's understanding of humility, harmony, and openness impact their life?

By applying the lessons of humility, harmony, and openness, the speaker has been able to form deeper connections with others, reduce stress, and find greater satisfaction in their work and personal life. These principles have become guiding forces for their decision-making.

Why does the speaker refer to the lessons as H-H-O or H2O?

The speaker refers to the lessons as H-H-O or H2O because the initials of humility, harmony, and openness spell 'H2O,' which is a symbol for water, the central metaphor of the lessons. This abbreviation also highlights the simplicity and natural flow of these principles.

What is the significance of the question 'What would water do?' in the speaker's life?

'What would water do?' is a simple yet powerful question the speaker asks themselves when they feel stressed or unfulfilled. It serves as a reminder to approach challenges with humility, harmony, and openness, guiding their actions in a more peaceful and effective manner.

What does the speaker suggest about how to handle obstacles or challenges in life?

The speaker suggests handling obstacles with the same calm, non-resistant attitude as water. Rather than fighting or forcing things, one should find ways to flow around obstacles, focusing on harmony and working with the environment instead of against it.