学进去

On the first day of school, Socrates (苏格拉底) told his students. “Today, we’ll only learn one thing, that is to stretch (前伸) for your arms, then try to swings (甩动) them backward.” He showed them and as a result all the students laughed. “Sir, is it also learned?” one of the students laughed.

“Of course! You think this is a simple thing, but it is difficult.” Socrates replied seriously. Hearing this, the students laughed even harder.

Without being a little angry, Socrates said, “In this class I’ll teach you how to learn this action well. After that, start today, and you will do it 100 times a day.”

10 days later, Socrates asked, “Who still stick to swing his arms?” About 80% of the students raised their hands. 20 days later, Socrates asked, “Who still insists (坚持) on swings his arms?” About 50% of them raised their hands. 3 months later, Socrates asked again, “Who still insist on that most simple action of swinging?” This time only one student raised his hand. He was Plato (柏拉图).

Perseverance is the simplest yet most difficult thing in the world, because everyone can do it, but not everyone will do. Only the one who can hold on a simple thing may make it.