In this complex world of relationships, there is a harsh reality: your relationships with others are not entirely determined by your kindness and dedication to others, but more by your strength and the chips in your hands.
There are countless examples in history that prove this. Whether it is ancient or modern, whether it is at home or abroad, the people of power and strategists are well aware of the truth of "knowing each other and knowing oneself, and not being defeated in a hundred battles". Understand your own and your opponent's abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and have access to key information and resources to be able to stay on top of competitive interpersonal interactions.
Everyone's chips are different. Some rely on professional skills and excellence in the workplace to build leverage, others rely on wealth and status to become strong, and others build influence through networking. These chips give them more choice and voice in interpersonal interactions.
In contrast, people in vulnerable positions tend to be in a passive situation. When you're running low on chips, you may find yourself in a vulnerable position, passively accepting the arrangements and influences of others. Whether in the workplace or in life, the weak often face challenges and unfair treatment.
Jia Baoyu in Dream of Red Mansions is a striking example. Although he is the young master of Jiafu, he has always been in a passive position because of his introverted personality and lack of power and wisdom. His weakness does not come from the hostility of others, but more from his inadequacy in the family's power struggle. This example teaches us that even within the family, the weak can get into trouble because of a lack of chips.
In real life, newcomers to the workplace are often in a relatively disadvantaged position due to lack of experience and limited contacts. In this case, they need to constantly enrich their knowledge and skills, actively look for opportunities, and strive to accumulate more chips in order to gradually get out of the vulnerable situation.
This harsh reality of human relationships forces us to think about the nature of relationships. Interpersonal relationships are not only based on temporary favors and short-term reciprocity, but also on a deeper level of complex networks based on mutual benefit and interdependence.
Confucianism emphasizes the importance of human relationships and family friendship. Mencius once said: "Fathers are kind and filial to their sons, brothers and friends are respectful, and husbands and wives are frugal." "This embodies the essence of the relationship, emphasizing mutual assistance and dependence. In relationships, although there may be differences in the chips between the two parties, a strong and long-lasting relationship can be built through mutual respect and cooperation.
However, interpersonal relationships are not simply a confrontation between strength and weakness. Balance and mutual respect are equally crucial when building relationships between the strong and the weak. A truly successful relationship should be based on mutual benefit and mutual respect.