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What does breaking out of a cocoon mean to a butterfly? Does
it signify the end of an ordinary life, or the beginning of an extraordinary
one? Different people may have different answers, but the latter is a more
fitting description of what it means to become a butterfly.
Nietzsche believed that life is a process of transformation from a "camel"
to a "lion," where you emerge as an individual within a group. When Liu
Yong, a famous anchor in Taiwan, had achieved success, he did not settle for
being a "lion" in his small world. He courageously went to the United States
to pursue his dreams, only to find that his artwork was not appreciated.
However, this cocoon that was determined to become a butterfly broke free
through hard work. Now, his introduction proudly reads, "renowned
contemporary writer and painter."
This brilliance is the result of the butterfly's painful struggle. The
process and outcome are much like the realm described by Wang Guowei in "The
Words of the Worldly Talk," where suddenly looking back, a person disappears
into the dim light of the night. Only the butterfly knows the warmth and
cold of its journey.
"Han's Qin land moon, the flowing image illuminating the queen. Once the
jade pass is reached, the ends of the earth cannot be returned." I do not
know if this woman transformed into clouds and scattered with the wind or
condensed into a fluttering butterfly, but from the long-lasting peace of
later generations and the praise of her successors, Zhaojun is said to have
transformed into a butterfly.
Unlike the type of butterfly that shines after breaking out of its cocoon,
her value was left behind after she turned her back, in the silhouette under
the sunset. "Leaving only a green grave towards the evening." The butterfly
must have experienced heart-wrenching pain during that struggle.
I am reminded of Xi Shi, who was once a Yue River girl in the morning and
became a Wu Palace concubine at night; Zhuge Liang, who died before his
victory and made heroes shed tears; Feng Chuhuang, who aspired to greatness
but was pierced by stray arrows; and Yang Lan, who pursued her dreams of
success and studied abroad in the United States. Breaking out of a cocoon is
destined to bring challenges in the next stage of life, but it also portends
a remarkable future. When we see the beautiful butterflies flashing before
our eyes, we understand the meaning of being a butterfly.
To become a butterfly is a vivid portrayal of self-improvement in life; to
become a butterfly is the best explanation of constantly exceeding oneself. |
