Family Secrets

I learnt a beautiful lesson from a good friend of mine who arrived from Bangkok yesterday. While driving him from the airport to the hotel, he told me, “Jimmy, my father told me that I must remember in life the following two most important principles. If you follow them, you will be successful and contented: whenever you drink water, remember the source; when you eat, eat from used and preferably rejected porcelain.”

My friend then kindly explained, “My father told me the tow principles when I was only 10 years old. I was then beginning to understand more about life. He felft China with practically nothing. He was a farmer. Yet, he successfully raised all six of us. We are successful people. We have faithfully followed what he taught us. And our family is now into the forth generation.” He expounded on his father’s philosophy.

Whenever you drink water; remember the source.

Water is the source of life. One can live for days without food, but one must have water. Some people have given you water. They are most likely your parents. It could be your friends. Remember them. Reward them when you can. Be grateful and always do good. In your life, there are always people helping you. Without them, you cannot successful.

When you eat, eat from used, or preferably rejected, porcelain.

Keep good porcelains to sell and make money. Have money. You do not need to use new things that cost money . You can eat from both new and used porcelain. So, why not eat from the used porcelain and sell the new ones to generate money! There is no need to indulge in vanities. Eating from used porcelain teaches you to be truly humble daily!

It is better to be rich in the pocket than trying to live like a rich man but really being poor in the pocket.

I think all of us have much to learn from the above secrets of success.

Mr. Jimmy while he came to Cambodia on 02 Sep 2013,  The second time I met him. 

Water is the substance of life.

Give it when you can afford

To those really in need.

Someone gave you water

When you have no way to get it yourself

And that someone is your parent.

Every time you eat from a bowl

Remember that to be able to eat is a blessing.

Thank god and be grateful that you can eat

And that you are eating from a bowl of your choice

The humble bowl.

There is no need to boost your ego

By eating from an expensive bowl.

What is in the bowl counts,

Not the bowl!

Source: Legacy to My Sons - Jimmy Teo