The most important ability of a person is actually the ability to shield.
Recently, I chatted with some friends I have known for many years, and their evaluations of me were surprisingly consistent: you have become more peaceful.
But I know very well in my heart that this does not mean becoming less sharp, but rather separating peace and sharpness.
In social situations, I prefer to provide emotional value, allowing those I care about to feel relaxed, comfortable, and understood;
At the core level, on the contrary, because I am more stable and self-consistent, I become sharper in places where I truly need to express my views.
In the past, I also hoped to gain recognition, resonance, and applause through expression.
But in the current public discussion environment, I gradually realize that:
Not all voices are worth responding to, and not all misunderstandings need clarification.
So-called maturity may be like this:
Outwardly becoming more gentle, inwardly becoming sharper;
Shielding more from the world and being more honest with oneself.