Good afternoon, everyone. Today, I’d like to talk to you about life philosophy.

Specifically, I will
be discussing the insights presented in Alexander Bloch's "Live in a Violin Case" and Alexander
M. Schindler's "Two Truths to Live By", and how these insights relate to the challenges faced by
Chinese university students.

To begin, "Live in a Violin Case" encourages us to live life on our own terms, rather than
following the expectations of others. Bloch reminds us that we are each unique individuals with
our own passions and goals, and that it is up to us to determine our own paths in life. Meanwhile,
"Two Truths to Live By" argues that understanding different perspectives and accepting others is
the key to finding truth and meaning in our lives.

Despite these articles’ different perspectives, both emphasize the importance of exploring truth
and personal ethics in our lives. It is this common theme that makes these articles especially
relevant to university students in China, who face a variety of challenges and uncertainties as they
navigate their own paths in life.

For example, Chinese university students often face intense pressure to succeed in their studies
and find employment after graduation. Additionally, they may struggle with identity issues and
difficulties in finding their own passions and goals. These challenges are often compounded by a
society that places great value on conformity and group harmony.

But by applying the concepts of life philosophy, Chinese university students can navigate these
challenges and create meaningful lives for themselves. For example, by embracing different
perspectives and seeking out different experiences, they can gain a deeper understanding of
themselves and others. This can help them to develop a stronger sense of personal ethics and
values, which can guide them in making decisions that align with their passions and goals.

In conclusion, life philosophy is a crucial aspect of navigating the challenges of modern life. By
understanding our own passions and goals, seeking out different perspectives, and embracing
personal ethics, we can create meaningful lives for ourselves, regardless of the pressures and
expectations we face.

Imagine you are faced with a difficult decision, such as whether or not to accept a job offer. You
could approach this decision from a purely practical perspective, weighing the pros and cons of
the job and considering the salary, benefits, and working conditions. Or, you could approach the
decision from a life philosophy perspective, considering how this job aligns with your personal
values and goals.
For example, if you value creativity and innovation, you might consider whether this job will
allow you to pursue your own ideas and contribute to a culture of innovation. If you value work-
life balance, you might consider whether this job will allow you to maintain a healthy balance
between your work and personal life. By thinking about the decision in this way, you can gain a
deeper understanding of yourself and what is truly important to you, which can guide you in
making a decision that aligns with your personal philosophy and helps you create a meaningful
life for yourself.

Sure, here's one way to connect the concepts of life philosophy, the moon and the sixpence:

In the novel "The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham, the main character, Charles
Strickland, abandons his middle-class life and becomes a painter, dedicating himself to his art and
pursuing his own passions, despite the disapproval of society and his loved ones. Strickland's
actions can be seen as a manifestation of his own life philosophy, in which he values creativity,
passion and authenticity over societal expectations.

Similarly, by embracing our own life philosophy and pursuing our passions, we too can create a
life that is authentic and meaningful to us, even if it diverges from the expectations of others. Just
as Strickland found fulfillment through his art, we too can find fulfillment by pursuing our own
passions, whether that be in art, science, or any other field.

Moreover, just as the moon in "The Moon and Sixpence" represents a symbol of something that is
distant, mysterious and unattainable, we can also think of our own goals and aspirations as the
"moon" in our lives. By setting our sights high and working towards our goals, we can reach for
something that may seem unattainable, but ultimately find great satisfaction in pursuing our own
passions and creating a life that is true to our values.

In conclusion, "The Moon and Sixpence" illustrates the importance of embracing our own life
philosophy and pursuing our passions, even if it means going against societal expectations. By
reaching for our own "moon" and striving to achieve our own goals, we can create a life that is
authentic, fulfilling, and true to our values.

Finding a balance between life philosophy and practical realities can be challenging, but it is
essential to creating a fulfilling life that is true to our values. Here are a few ways to approach this:
Understand your priorities: Take some time to reflect on your personal values and priorities. What
is most important to you? Is it your family, your career, your health, your personal development?
Knowing your priorities can help you make decisions that align with your values and create a life
that is fulfilling.

Be flexible: While it is important to have a clear sense of your values and priorities, it is also
important to be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes life presents us with unexpected opportunities
or challenges that require us to adjust our plans. By staying open-minded and adaptable, we can
navigate these changes while staying true to our values.

Take small steps: Creating a life that aligns with our values can be a long and challenging process.
Rather than trying to make major changes all at once, focus on taking small steps that move you in
the right direction. For example, if you value your health but struggle to find time to exercise, start
by taking a 10-minute walk every day and gradually build up from there.

Seek support: Surround yourself with people who share your values and can provide support and
encouragement. This could be friends, family members, or a community of like-minded
individuals. Having a support system can help you stay motivated and make the difficult decisions
that come with pursuing a life that is true to your values.

In conclusion, finding a balance between life philosophy and practical realities requires a
combination of self-awareness, flexibility, and support. By taking small steps, staying open-
minded, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can create a life that aligns
with our values and brings us fulfillment.

While money can be an important aspect of our lives, it is important to recognize that it is not the
only factor that contributes to a fulfilling life. While money can provide security, comfort, and
freedom, it is ultimately our values and priorities that determine the kind of life we lead.

If we treat money as our life philosophy, we risk prioritizing financial gain over other important
aspects of our lives, such as relationships, personal growth, and community engagement. This can
lead to a life that is empty, unfulfilling, and lacking in meaning.

Instead, we can view money as a tool that can help us achieve our life goals and pursue our
passions. By keeping our priorities in mind and using money to support those priorities, we can
create a life that is authentic and meaningful to us.

For example, if we value experiences and personal growth, we might use our money to travel and
explore new cultures, or invest in education and training that will help us achieve our career goals.
If we value community engagement and social justice, we might use our money to support
organizations and causes that align with those values.

In conclusion, while money can be an important aspect of our lives, it is not the only factor that
contributes to a fulfilling life. By viewing money as a tool rather than a life philosophy and using
it to support our values and priorities, we can create a life that is authentic, meaningful, and true to
who we are.

It is true that financial stress can be a significant obstacle to pursuing one's life philosophy. When
basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare are not met, it can be challenging to focus on
personal growth, community engagement, and other aspects of a fulfilling life.

In such circumstances, it may be necessary to prioritize financial stability in order to create a

However, it is important to recognize that even in difficult financial circumstances, it is possible to

Moreover, it is important to recognize the systemic factors that contribute to financial insecurity
and social oppression. By advocating for policies and practices that promote economic and social
justice, we can work towards creating a more equitable society that allows all individuals to
pursue their life philosophy regardless of their financial circumstances.

In conclusion, financial stress can be a significant obstacle to pursuing one's life philosophy, but it
is still possible to find meaning and purpose in life even in challenging circumstances. By
prioritizing financial stability, finding small ways to incorporate our values into daily life, and
advocating for systemic change, we can work towards creating a more fulfilling life that aligns
with our values and priorities.
月亮与六便士：
Sure, here's one way to connect the concepts of life philosophy, the moon and the sixpence:

In the novel "The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham, the main character, Charles
Strickland, abandons his middle-class life and becomes a painter, dedicating himself to his art and
pursuing his own passions, despite the disapproval of society and his loved ones. Strickland's
actions can be seen as a manifestation of his own life philosophy, in which he values creativity,
passion and authenticity over societal expectations.

Similarly, by embracing our own life philosophy and pursuing our passions, we too can create a
life that is authentic and meaningful to us, even if it diverges from the expectations of others. Just
as Strickland found fulfillment through his art, we too can find fulfillment by pursuing our own
passions, whether that be in art, science, or any other field.

Moreover, just as the moon in "The Moon and Sixpence" represents a symbol of something that is
distant, mysterious and unattainable, we can also think of our own goals and aspirations as the
"moon" in our lives. By setting our sights high and working towards our goals, we can reach for
something that may seem unattainable, but ultimately find great satisfaction in pursuing our own
passions and creating a life that is true to our values.

In conclusion, "The Moon and Sixpence" illustrates the importance of embracing our own life
philosophy and pursuing our passions, even if it means going against societal expectations. By
reaching for our own "moon" and striving to achieve our own goals, we can create a life that is
authentic, fulfilling, and true to our values.

shan chen
怎样在现实现实和 life philosophy 中寻找平衡
Finding a balance between life philosophy and practical realities can be challenging, but it is
essential to creating a fulfilling life that is true to our values. Here are a few ways to approach this:

Understand your priorities: Take some time to reflect on your personal values and priorities. What
is most important to you? Is it your family, your career, your health, your personal development?
Knowing your priorities can help you make decisions that align with your values and create a life
that is fulfilling.

Be flexible: While it is important to have a clear sense of your values and priorities, it is also
important to be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes life presents us with unexpected opportunities
or challenges that require us to adjust our plans. By staying open-minded and adaptable, we can
navigate these changes while staying true to our values.
Take small steps: Creating a life that aligns with our values can be a long and challenging process.
Rather than trying to make major changes all at once, focus on taking small steps that move you in
the right direction. For example, if you value your health but struggle to find time to exercise, start
by taking a 10-minute walk every day and gradually build up from there.

Seek support: Surround yourself with people who share your values and can provide support and
encouragement. This could be friends, family members, or a community of like-minded
individuals. Having a support system can help you stay motivated and make the difficult decisions
that come with pursuing a life that is true to your values.

In conclusion, finding a balance between life philosophy and practical realities requires a
combination of self-awareness, flexibility, and support. By taking small steps, staying open-
minded, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can create a life that aligns
with our values and brings us fulfillment.

Balance：

这种想法是对是错

It is neither entirely right nor entirely wrong to associate success with money. While it is true that
financial success can provide opportunities for personal growth, freedom, and a comfortable
lifestyle, it is also important to recognize that monetary wealth alone does not necessarily equate
to happiness or fulfillment. Many successful people have discovered that pursuing their passions
and making a positive impact on others can be more rewarding than just accumulating wealth.

Therefore, it is important to have a balanced perspective on success that goes beyond just
monetary gain. We should strive to define success on our own terms and pursue goals that align
with our values, passions, and purpose in life. This might mean taking risks and making sacrifices
in the short term, but it can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life in the long run.

对于普通人来说，应该怎么做
For the average person, it is important to find a balance between pursuing financial stability and
pursuing personal passions and values. While financial stability is important for meeting basic
needs and providing security, it is also important to consider what truly brings joy and fulfillment
in life. Here are some steps that can help in finding this balance:

Assess your priorities and values: Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you in life,
beyond just material possessions and financial gain. This could be personal relationships, personal
growth, making a positive impact on others, or pursuing a passion or hobby.

Set realistic financial goals: Create a plan for achieving financial stability that is realistic and
achievable. This might involve setting a budget, saving money, and investing wisely.

Pursue your passions: Identify activities or pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment, and find
ways to integrate them into your daily life. This might mean pursuing a hobby, volunteering for a
cause you care about, or taking courses to develop new skills.

Take calculated risks: Be open to taking calculated risks that align with your values and goals.
This might mean starting a new business, pursuing a career change, or making a personal
investment in something you believe in.

Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the good things in your life, including
financial stability and personal passions. Recognize that success is not solely defined by material
possessions or financial gain, but also by personal growth, making a positive impact on others, and
finding joy and fulfillment in life.

shan chen
有没有什么对于普通人的生动的例子
Sure! Here are a few examples of how average people have found a balance between pursuing
financial stability and personal passions/values:

Emily is a nurse who values helping others and making a positive impact in her community. While
she earns a steady income from her job, she also volunteers at a local hospital and participates in
medical missions abroad. By balancing her financial stability with her passion for helping others,
Emily has found fulfillment in her work and personal life.

Jack is a freelance writer who loves to travel and explore new cultures. While he values financial
stability, he also makes it a priority to travel frequently and immerse himself in new experiences.
To balance his financial needs with his passion for travel, Jack sets a budget for his trips and looks
for opportunities to work while abroad, such as writing travel articles for magazines.

Sarah is a stay-at-home mom who values personal growth and development. While she prioritizes
caring for her family, she also makes time for pursuing her interests and developing new skills.
Sarah takes online courses, volunteers at a local non-profit organization, and participates in a book
club to stimulate her mind and connect with others.

Tom is an engineer who values financial stability and security. While he enjoys his work, he also
has a passion for music and plays in a local band. To balance his financial needs with his passion
for music, Tom schedules regular band practices and gigs on weekends, but makes sure to
maintain his day job for financial stability.

These examples show that it is possible for average people to find a balance between financial
stability and personal passions/values. By setting priorities, pursuing passions, taking calculated
risks, and practicing gratitude, anyone can find fulfillment in their work and personal life.