Dear friends,
When we speak of “falling,” there is a timeless wisdom from the ancient Chinese classic, the I Ching, that resonates deeply: “As heaven moves with vigorous constancy, so does the gentleman strive without ceasing in his self-renewal.” This captures beautifully the essence of rising after a fall. More than two thousand years ago, Sima Qian, despite enduring unimaginable hardship, completed the monumental Records of the Grand Historian with unyielding faith. Such perseverance through adversity is a testament to a strength that unites all of humanity.
Such historical resilience finds echo in our personal lives. I, too, once faced a time of difficulty. During my sophomore year, my father lost his job, and the pressure from my academic responsibilities became almost overwhelming. My grades began to slip, and the international trade competition I had prepared for so diligently seemed on the verge of collapse. I felt disheartened. Yet it was a phrase from The Analects— “To persevere even when one knows the task may be impossible” —that stirred my spirit. I came to understand that falling is not an end, but an opportunity to learn how to stand with greater steadiness.
I began to reorder my life: waking early to review my coursework, using every spare moment to study cases from the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), and continuously refining my competition strategy. Step by step, my academic performance improved. In time, I had the honor of leading my team to win an award in a simulated trade competition. That experience taught me that hardship is a whetstone—it sharpens the spirit and forges inner strength.
Now, speaking on this international platform, I am reminded that the wisdom of “learning through falling” is universal. Whether drawn from ancient Chinese philosophy or stories of resilience from around the globe, it reflects a shared human pursuit: to rise, always. In our increasingly connected world, we may encounter trade barriers or cultural misunderstandings. But if we remember that the purpose of falling is to learn how to rise again, we will find common understanding and move forward, together.
May every fall we experience serve as a new beginning—a step toward a brighter, more resilient, and more united future.
Thank you.（谢欣雨）
