The 128 most classic philosophical essays in the world

Chapter 55
[France] François Fénelon

Simplicity requires moderation, in which we are neither overly agitated nor overly serene.

Simplicity is an upright and unselfish quality of the soul.Compared with sincerity, simplicity appears nobler and purer.Many are sincere and sincere, but not innocent.They are afraid of being misunderstood, lest their image be damaged.They always pay attention to themselves, reflect on themselves, choose their words carefully, and be cautious.When dealing with people, they are always worried about going too far and not enough.These people are sincere, but not simple.They have difficulty getting along with others calmly, and others are cautious and reserved towards them.Their weakness is that they are not frank, casual, and unnatural.And we prefer to associate with those who are not very honest and perfect, but who have no pretentiousness.This has almost become a criterion for the world, and God seems to use this as a standard to judge people.God doesn't want us to look at ourselves with too much thought, like plastic surgery in the mirror.

But it is also a state of blindness to pay attention to others without self-examination.A person in this state is preoccupied only with what is in front of him and his personal senses, which is the very opposite of innocence.Here are two examples of just the opposite: one is a person who devotes himself wholeheartedly, whether he serves his own kind or God; You will be distracted and upset.So this false cleverness, which at first glance looks grand, is actually as foolish as mere pleasure-seeking behavior.The former is short-sighted and only intoxicated by the things in front of him; the latter values ​​himself too much and is intoxicated with inner possession.Both are full of vanity.Inner contemplation is more harmful than preoccupation with immediate things, because it is foolish to appear clever, and it is often tempting to lead astray, self-righteous, it makes us subject to our natural emotions, Let us fall into a kind of blind frenzy, where we think we are in good health, when we are in fact terminally ill.

Simplicity requires moderation, in which we are neither overly agitated nor overly serene.Our soul will not have time to do necessary inner self-examination because of paying too much attention to external things, nor will we always pay attention to ourselves, which will expand the guarded heart that is dedicated to maintaining our personal image.If our souls can break free and look straight ahead on the stretching road, and not waste precious time studying the steps under our feet, or looking back at the years that have passed, then we have true simplicity.

Heart mark notes
Simplicity is the most precious corner of the human heart.Simplicity is not childishness, let alone ignorance, but a kind of spiritual style and a state of life.

Simple-minded people sow seeds silently on the land they love, and cultivate silently. They ignore fame and fortune, and have no intention of calculating and competing with others.They release their lives in the things they love strongly and pursue persistently, and their fortitude and admiration are admirable.

Simplicity against complexity.Simple, can restrain evil thoughts.Zhou Guoping said: "Lightness is the deepest taste in life." Simplicity is a simple and appropriate interpretation of "lightness", it is the proof of youth and honesty, and it is the same interpretation of firmness and persistence.

Simplicity is a kind of realm, which exists in human nature beyond the soul.

(End of this chapter)