Fame and wealth do not equal respect

The more work experience I have, the more I understand the saying that "the workplace is a battlefield". There is no swordplay or gunfire in the workplace, but every confrontation, whether overt or covert, will bring people a sharp pain, which may really be no different from a battlefield.

If everyone is honest with each other, and the competition between people is just a comparison of ability, everything will be simple. But the reality is that there is no absolutely fair competition. No matter how strict the rules are, there will always be people who take a different approach, perfectly circumvent the rules, and win what they want through other means.

A colleague recently applied for a large grant. I sent him a message to congratulate him, but I felt mixed emotions. My research group also urgently needs that grant, but I have applied twice and both were rejected. My research group works diligently and harder than other groups, but it does not get the recognition it deserves.

From gossip, I learned about the inside story of some colleagues' funding applications. They gave gifts to the judges, invited them to dinner, and had close relationships with them. However, our research team was busy with work all day, and we didn't even know who the judges were, let alone who they knew us, so our research team's score was naturally not high.

When I met my friend and talked about this result, I couldn't help but sigh. The hustle and bustle in the workplace is all about "fame and fortune". No matter how good the relationship is, it can't resist the temptation of these two words. Just like the colleague this time, he seemed to be in harmony with us, but when he wanted to gain something for himself or squeeze out his competitors, he would never show mercy.

My friend looked at me with a firm look and asked me to think about the experience of my mentor. I knew what she meant. A mentor is a scholar of high moral character, who is not afraid of power, does not seek profit, and will not deliberately get close to anyone. Therefore, when judging any awards or titles, mentors are often not selected. However, everyone in the circle knows him, whether he is in a high position or an unknown person, whether he is upright or cunning, they will feel awe when they mention him.

My friend concluded that scheming can win fame and fortune, but it cannot win the respect of others. I suddenly realized it and nodded deeply, thanking my friend for reminding me. Fame and fortune can make people's minds dizzy, and irrational people will do anything to get it. Maybe you can get temporary glory through hard work, but to win the respect of others from the bottom of their hearts, scheming cannot do it, and the halo of honor cannot do it. Only by being broad-minded and kind-hearted, and maintaining your self-identity in this world of intrigues and tricks, can you truly win the respect of others.

After chatting with my friend, I felt relieved. I lost my fame and fortune, but my heart seemed to be more fulfilled. Let alone fame and fortune, what would it matter if I were rich? "The Great Wall is still there today, but Qin Shihuang is no longer there." There is nothing worth worrying about. Isn't it the best to travel the world with an open mind and a clear conscience?