The quarter-life crisis is not a financial crisis. The first time I heard of this was from my son, who mentioned it in relation to his then-girlfriend. She had chosen a college major mainly for practical reasons, even though her true passion lay in art and architecture. Despite having a well-paid job and excelling in her role, she found no joy in her work. Just before turning 30, she decided to quit and started searching for what truly interested her.
Recently, I’ve noticed another type of quarter-life crisis affecting people around 30. Again, it’s not about struggling to advance in their careers, but rather about those who have settled comfortably into their positions, becoming stagnant and complacent. They no longer have the drive to learn new skills. They lose the sharpness and sensitivity to things that once excited them. They become indifferent to beauty and novelty, reacting to new technologies like seniors, slow to adapt. Many of them even begin to accumulate fat around their waists. They rely entirely on their limited and outdated experiences, believing that the future will mirror the present, coasting through life till retirement.
A Chinese saying captures this mindset well: 当一天和尚撞一天钟 (Dāng yī tiān héshàng zhuàng yī tiān zhōng), which means "Live like a monk for a day, ring the bell for a day." This phrase implies a minimal, disengaged approach to life, akin to just going through the motions without deeper investment.
However, unlike monks who embrace detachment from worldly concerns, regular people are not bound by such ascetic ideals. We are meant to engage fully with our passions and aspirations.
Ultimately, keep in mind that the richness of human life lies above mere material comfort and financial stability. It comes from striving to grow, continuously learning and finding meanings, and contributing to the world. It’s about constantly seeking with renewal purpose and energy. By embracing curiosity, pursuing passions, and striving to make a difference, we engage with life’s deeper and broader dimensions that make us worthy being called Human beings.
Happy birthday to my youngest sister's son!