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Direction and Effort

 　　Friends often ask me, "His abilities aren't necessarily better than mine, nor is he more diligent, so why did he succeed while I failed?" Every time, I answer them, "Direction is more important than effort."

　　A famous American scientist once conducted a very interesting experiment. He placed five flies and five bees in each of two glass bottles, then positioned the bottom of the bottles towards the light source and the opening towards the darkness. Several hours later, the scientist found that all five bees had crashed and died, while the five flies had already found their way out at the back of the bottle.

　　Why couldn't the usually diligent and intelligent bees find the exit? Research revealed that bees, through experience, determined that the light source was the exit, and they repeatedly performed this logical behavior. For bees, glass is a supernatural and mysterious object; they have never encountered such a suddenly impenetrable atmosphere in nature, and the higher their intelligence, the more unacceptable and incomprehensible this strange obstacle becomes. Each time they flew towards the light source, they exerted all their strength. Even after being hit, they didn't learn their lesson, getting up and continuing to crash into the same spot. The sacrifice of their companions couldn't awaken their awareness; they continued to struggle desperately towards the light, ultimately leading to their deaths.

　　The flies, on the other hand, paid no attention to logic, completely ignoring the attraction of the light, flying around aimlessly. As a result, they stumbled upon good fortune. These simple-minded creatures always manage to escape the demise of the wise. The flies eventually discovered the perfect exit, thus gaining freedom and a new life.

　　In fact, there are countless similar examples of bees and flies in life. Many people choose a direction and persevere, but the results are contrary to their wishes. Yet, they refuse to give up, remaining steadfast, believing themselves to be wise, that their chosen direction is always correct. In reality, this flawed direction leads them to a life of failure. Others, after realizing their failure, quickly analyze the situation, adjust their efforts, and keep trying, ultimately achieving success and finding a way out more quickly.

　　A Nobel laureate once said, when discussing his experience of success, "Think calmly, act swiftly, and direction is always more important than effort." I think this statement can offer some inspiration to those struggling aimlessly.

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