There is a proverb we often hear since childhood: "Clear water has no fish." But in fact, few people know the full version of this saying. The continuation is just as important: "A person who observes too much will have no disciples." I just realized that both halves contain a deep secret about how to live wisely.

On the surface, "clear water has no fish" seems to refer to nature—if the water is too clear, fish cannot survive. The simple reason: fish are easily exposed, attacked by predators, or caught by humans. But beyond that, overly clear water also means a lack of nutrients. Fish, like us, need nourishment; without it, they will eventually be eliminated.

The second part, "a person who observes too much will have no disciples," speaks about people. The word "observe" here implies being overly strict or meticulous. This phrase warns: if you are too harsh, too demanding of others, no one will want to be close to you. You will be lonely. That’s why it says "no disciples"—no one wants to follow you.

I find this very true in real life. At home, if parents are too strict with their children, only criticizing and demanding, children will distance themselves. Between spouses, if they keep finding faults and arguing over trivial matters, love will cool down. At work, if everyone looks at each other with judgmental eyes, no one will want to cooperate.

I realize that "clear water has no fish" is a wise saying from the old days. It not only refers to nature but also to human life. When we are too strict, too demanding of perfection from others—and ourselves—we lose what is most precious: friendship, love, and collaboration.

So what should we do? I think we need to be less demanding, more tolerant. No one is perfect, including ourselves. The key is to find common ground with others, accept their differences. As parents, encourage your children more, criticize less. As spouses, seek understanding instead of arguing over pointless matters. At work, respect each other's ideas; only then can we create wonderful things.

Life is very short. Don’t take everything too seriously. Be less strict, less judgmental, and more forgiving—that is a form of wisdom, a form of self-cultivation. And in the end, you will find that you are no longer lonely, but surrounded by people who want to be with you.