Philosophical Sayings About Worldly Matter (IIII)

It is exceedingly foolish for a person to claim that he possesses the ability to meet all social needs. Viewed against the background of the infinity of such needs, the ability of an individual is as insignificant as a speck of dust. Even in the one area of activity in which he claims superiority, the ability of an individual pales because there are always many others who can do better.

(This is a translation of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s philosophical sayings about worldly matters originally written in Chinese.)

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Below is not an official translation, just for reference.

When it comes to social abilities, many people often say that they are very capable in society. Of course, it cannot be denied that everyone has their own abilities, but to say that their social abilities dominate society is a false statement. You should not easily claim that you are superior in society.

Society is formed by the integration of many aspects, including agriculture, industry, commerce, scientific research, military, natural sciences, and humanities. Even in the field of science, it has diversities, everyone has their own strengths. You may understand this, but you may not understand that. You may understand that, but you may not understand this. So one is insignificant in society, not even as good as a drop in the ocean.

One’s ability, at most, only occupies as much as a speck of dust, a very small part of society, just like a grain of sand. We look at the whole society, and we can say that each has its own strengths. Doctors, military, agricultural scientists have their own strengths, even artists have different strengths. The musician can compose, singers can sing, and painters can paint, etc.

If one’s strengths are one’s abilities, then one’s abilities cannot include all abilities to dominate society. If we observe carefully, our abilities are often inferior to others and many are better than ours. Even when we contribute or add our skills to society, to be honest, it is really very, very small. Therefore, after we understand this truth, if we still claim to be competent, then we will be shame as the ancients said.