The Book of Life

But in social matters, another party is involved. Over them, you have no control. You can speak to them, but you cannot force them to act. In such cases, wisdom requires that you focus on what is possible. Out of the two options, accept the one that can actually work. In personal matters, following what is right does not stop the journey of life—it goes on. But in social matters, insisting only on what is right quickly brings opposition from others, blocking your way. The journey comes to a halt, and all energy is wasted on conflict. That is why the useful and productive way is to accept what is possible, accommodate the demands of the other party, keep moving forward in the present, and leave the future to unfold in its own time. This is the wise way to live in this world. DEVELOPING INSIGHT Until the Second World War, the United States was the world’s largest producer and seller of motor cars. The prestige of the Rolls-Royce dominated people’s minds. After the war, the era of Germany’s Volkswagen began. By 1970, more than sixteen million Volkswagen cars had been sold in 140 countries. But as of 1992, when this was written, it is the age of Japanese cars. Today, Toyota—not General Motors—leads the global automobile industry.