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"Mothing to Flame – Self-Destruction" is a Chinese idiom
that reflects the concept of the moth's reflex towards light. The saying
also carries a sense of mockery towards the ignorance of the moth. However,
the truth is that sometimes we also possess the ignorance of the moth and
need it. Not because of the moth's reflex but because of our perseverance in
our beliefs.
Often we know that something is wrong, yet we still do it; sometimes we know
that certain things are doomed to fail, but we still don't give up and
choose to continue, leading to the so-called "self-inflicted" guilt, and
even ridicule from others.
Those who have not experienced the "Moth to Flame" will never understand the
kind of insight the moth gained when it finally saw the truth and light.
However, the moth did not have the chance to turn that insight into wealth
for the rest of its life. We are different. What we persist in will
eventually reward us, even if it is just a moment of insight, we understand
the meaning of life.
Sometimes what we pursue and persevere in may seem like the moth to flame –
we don't get much, but we have a persistence towards our beliefs. The famous
painter Van Gogh's paintings were not recognized by society during his
lifetime, resulting in extreme poverty. If he had changed his unique
understanding of painting to cater to the taste of society, perhaps his life
would not have been so poor. But he persisted on his own path and his unique
understanding of painting. After his death, his paintings were recognized by
the world, and he became a great painter in the eyes of the world. The
recognition given by society was something he could not enjoy. But he
ultimately succeeded in persevering in his belief.
We need the spirit of moth to flame, but we do not have to apply it to
everything. We must learn to let go of some things. When we believe in
something, we need the moth's ignorance and persistent spirit. |
