“We cannot determine the length of our lives, but we can decide its height.”

Height is depth; the higher your perspective, the more distinct your understanding of things becomes compared to others.

Therefore, the depth of one's knowledge and perspective determines their attitude and approach to problem-solving.

The same applies to Tea; typically when pouring tea, it is customary to fill the Cup only seven-tenths full, leaving room for human connection. It's not hard to understand that a cup filled to only seven-tenths capacity prevents the person holding the Teacup from being scalded by hot tea, while also conveying the message that there should always be some room left for flexibility.

The modest amount of tea served, in the context of national Etiquette, is a sign of respect for the guest, and in the context of tea ceremony, it invites guests to savor the flavor slowly, enjoying seven-tenths of the tea and three-tenths of its aroma.

In a broader sense, “modesty” in Chinese culture connotes appropriateness, restraint, refinement, and humility. Being humble and courteous in demeanor and leaving room for flexibility in actions are manifestations of this concept. The modest serving of tea further imparts life lessons. Those who appreciate tea do so not just for its fragrance and taste, but more importantly, for the attitude towards life that it embodies.

Throughout China's long history, there are countless stories about how ancient people approached the modesty of tea. Lu Yu, despite a life marked by constant wandering, devoted his entire existence to his passion for tea, culminating in the creation of the seminal work on tea studies, “The Classic of Tea.”

Similarly, figures like Jiaoran and Su Dongpo loved tea yet led lives of varying depths.

Thus, we should see the profundity of life through the modesty of tea, elevate our perspectives, and create unique lives for ourselves.