温馨夜读II PART1 5.Get a Thorough Understanding of Oneself（在线收听）

[00:00.95]5.Get a Thorough Understanding of Oneself

[00:07.16]In all one’s lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing with. 

[00:14.24]But it is precisely oneself that one has the least understanding of. 

[00:19.25]When you are going upwards in life you tend to overestimate yourself. 

[00:24.04]When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself. 

[00:28.29]It’s likely that you think it wise for yourself to know your place and stay aloof from worldly wearing a mask of cowardice, 

[00:37.32]behind which the flow of sap in your life will be retarded.

[00:41.13]To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself 

[00:46.79]and be a sober realist—aware of both one’s strength and shortage. 

[00:52.46]You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully realized. 

[01:01.28]You may be courageous to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts.

[01:08.55]To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. 

[01:13.77]Whether you liken yourself to a towering tree or a blade of grass, 

[01:18.56]whether you think you are a high mountain or a small stone, 

[01:22.70]you represent a state of nature that has its own reason of existence. 

[01:27.38]If you earnestly admire yourself you’ll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. 

[01:35.22]As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself you’ll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.

[01:43.06]To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it’s needed. 

[01:49.82]In time of anger, do yourself a favor by giving vent to it in a quiet place so that you won’t be hurt by its flames; 

[01:58.64]in time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; 

[02:08.11]in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep or taking some tonic. 

[02:15.31]Show yourself loving concern about your health and daily life. 

[02:20.23]Unless you know perfectly well when and how to do yourself a favor, 

[02:25.16]you won’t be confident and ready enough to resist the attack of illness.

[02:29.31]To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one’s life. 

[02:34.78]Then one will find one’s life full of color and flavor.