Summary of the Core Content
This is the second part of a conversation with Jin Weichun, a seasoned Taiwanese media professional and former business magnate, focusing on three key issues that ordinary people care most about: money, education, and personal growth. Drawing from her own experiences, from founding Business Weekly to embarking on a new path of lifelong learning, Jin shares counterintuitive life wisdom. For example, she explains that successful people don’t constantly think about money; pursuing fame and fortune can actually be restrictive. In the age of AI, she advises against rote memorization in education. She also argues that overly strict parental control can be detrimental to children’s development. Her insights provide practical guidance for young people, parents, and professionals.
Detailed Analysis
1. **Why do successful people not seem to care about money? What are the misconceptions about pursuing money?**
Jin doesn’t mean they have no interest in money; rather, she emphasizes focusing on “doing things right.” Successful entrepreneurs in Taiwan don’t spend their days calculating profits but instead ponder how to create products that resonate with customers and provide exceptional services. For instance, if a restaurant owner only thinks about making 10,000 yuan a day, they might cut corners. However, if they aim to make customers return, they’ll invest in high-quality ingredients and improve the taste, which will naturally lead to more business. On the other hand, those who are overly obsessed with money tend to be impetuous and may resort to shortcuts (such as speculation or cheating) or frequently switch jobs, failing to build essential skills. This is similar to chasing a cat: the more you chase it, the more it runs away; but if you stop and focus on your own tasks, it might come to you.
2. **Fame, fortune, power, and emotions: The more you cling to them, the more trapped you become?**
Jin believes that being overly attached to fame, fortune, power, and emotional attachments can turn one into their slave. For example:
- Chasing fame might lead to doing things you dislike (like creating a fake online persona) and facing public backlash.
- Pursuing wealth might cost you your health and time with family, leaving you with money but no quality life.
- Striving for power can result in exhausting battles and the loss of friends.
- Excessive control over loved ones can make them want to escape.
These things are like sand in your hands—the tighter you hold them, the more you lose. Jin quit business at 60 and found a learning center, living a more relaxed life. Even in her 70s, she remains energetic and productive.
3. **Raising children in the AI era: Avoid rote memorization; too strict parenting can harm them?**
AI can memorize formulas and write essays, but it lacks creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Jin advises against forcing children to memorize facts; instead, teach them to think, collaborate, and empathize. Let them play and experiment, learn to interact with others, and understand their feelings. Parents should not overcontrol them, such as enrolling them in too many tutoring classes, which can prevent them from developing their own choices. Just as a bird in a cage can’t fly, children need space to grow.
4. **How to live a good life: What should young people do first? What’s the secret to maintaining vitality at 74?**
Young people should start by taking care of themselves. It’s not about earning a lot of money or buying a house; it’s about doing small things well—eating and sleeping on time, focusing on current tasks (studying and working diligently), and learning to be self-compassionate. Jin says, “If you take care of yourself, the people and things around you will improve.” The secret to maintaining vitality in her 70s is continuous learning and reflection. After quitting business at 60, she devoted herself to personal growth, helping others through her learning center. Just like a tree that continues to grow as long as it absorbs nutrients, life continues to thrive with learning.
The essence of this conversation is that life is not about chasing goals but about living each moment well. By doing the right things, letting go of unnecessary attachments, and maintaining a learning mindset, we can lead a fulfilling life. Whether it’s about making money, raising children, or personal growth, wisdom often lies in taking an opposite approach.