Summary of Key Points
This is an in-depth interview with an ordinary person who has “rekindled his love for reading” (a former internet professional). Through stories about his battle with cancer, career transition, parenting, and navigating the information age, he shares his reflections on life: When facing cancer, one should aim to “coexist” rather than “conquer” it; the opportunities for active choice in the workplace diminish with age, but embracing change is crucial; experience cannot be passed on to children, so they need to be allowed to learn through their own experiences; in an era of information overload, the ability to filter and record life’s events is very important; knowledge is the most valuable “asset” one can carry.
1. Fighting Cancer Is Not About Conquering a Monster, but About Living in Peace with It
When he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, he didn’t collapse; instead, he approached it like working on a project, researching information. Upon reading a Singaporean study showing a 90% five-year survival rate, he felt that it wasn’t so bad. During treatment, he lost his appetite and couldn’t taste anything, even questioning the meaning of living. It was only after the pandemic that he realized how precious simple daily moments are.
He believes the term “conquering cancer” is misleading—cancer is a part of him, not an enemy to be defeated. After five years of treatment, the intravenous port was removed, and he no longer carried the label of a patient. However, the fear of swollen lymph nodes still lingers occasionally. He has learned to accept that being sick is not a disaster but a reminder to cherish the present.
2. It’s Getting Harder to Make Active Choices After Age 35, but Embracing Change Is Key
He has resigned twice on his own initiative: from Nokia (in the traditional communications industry) to Alibaba (in the internet sector), wondering why those who maintain the status quo earn more than those who drive innovation. Later, he left a startup due to high blood pressure and needed time to “recharge.” He highlights Alibaba’s culture of embracing change, which has evolved from stating that “the only constant is change” (describing reality) to encouraging active action. Today’s young professionals face layoffs and intense competition, but the essence remains the same: one must adapt proactively. Instead of giving up in times of decline, it’s better to do something meaningful every day (e.g., making your resume more valuable).
3. Don’t Pass on Your Experience to Children; They Need to Learn for Themselves
He used to give advice to school admissions officers, only to be thanked on the surface while they thought, “Just because you didn’t succeed doesn’t mean I can’t.” As a parent, he understands that experience cannot be transferred directly. For example, even if you tell a child not to touch a socket, they will still try it themselves.
He recommends the book *Let Them Theory*, which emphasizes not controlling others but focusing on oneself. For instance, when a child fails a test, the underlying issue is often anxiety about something out of one’s control. His solution is to write for a public account—without strict KPIs, allowing him to express himself and focus on what he can control.
4. Too Much Information? Filtering and Recording Are Rare Skills
Having run a public account for over a decade, he considers himself a “carrier” of content, not an original creator. In today’s information explosion, the amount of data exceeds what people can process by tenfold. Filtering information and managing attention have become valuable skills.
He believes that reading is about experiencing, not just consuming information; listening to podcasts about books cannot replace the experience of reading the actual text. Recording life’s events is also crucial; without keeping a journal or using social media to document his experiences, his life would seem barren. For example, he would have forgotten the warm moments from his road trips if he hadn’t recorded them.
5. Advice for Yourself at Age 35: The Only Thing You Can Take With You Is Knowledge
If he could go back to age 35, he would suggest buying NVIDIA stocks and Bitcoin. More importantly, he would advise maintaining curiosity and embracing change. However, he knows that he wouldn’t have believed it himself—just as today’s young people often disregard advice from their elders, everyone must follow their own path.
He believes the most valuable thing in life is knowledge: “When you look back from the future, you can’t take computers or phones with you; only your ideas can.” Therefore, no matter your age, stay open to new things (like AI tools) and continuously update your knowledge.
This interview doesn’t offer grand theories; it’s filled with the real experiences of an ordinary person—fear of illness, workplace challenges, and parenting anxieties. But the core message is clear: there are no standard answers in life; accepting imperfection and focusing on what you can control is the best way to live.