Why do you always fail to surpass your colleagues and always seem to suffer? Is it because you don't have enough intelligence? Actually, the real reason is that you don't have a deep understanding of the underlying logic of how the world works. It's like seeing through a layer of fog, you have eyes, but you can't see clearly. No matter where you are, the world is made up of two sets of rules. The first set of rules is fairness, morality, and etiquette, which are superficial rules. The second set of rules is the calculation and the struggle of interests hidden behind morality, which is the essential rule.
As a result, you may feel that people often behave inconsistently and behave hypocritically in their actions and words. When attending a wedding reception, the freshly served dishes are often snatched up by the big guests, and you can only watch. This is because human nature is selfish and follows the law of the jungle. To combat this, table manners have been developed to ensure that everyone can enjoy food civilly. However, no matter what kind of etiquette, there will always be someone who will take more when you are not paying attention. Thus, we can see that the first set of rules is the appearance of morality, while the second set of rules is the reality of interests.
From childhood to adulthood, the education we were exposed to emphasized humility and sharing, such as the story of Kong Rong Rangli. However, deep down, some people are always calculating their own interests. Truly smart people will use the first set of rules as a means to achieve the purpose of the second set of rules. They appear to be ethical, but in fact they are planning for their own benefit. Each wears a gorgeous cloak and carefully designs their image for maximum benefit. Therefore, understanding the differences and interactions between these two sets of rules is essential to living and working successfully in this world. Interests, everyone has an account in their hearts.
Therefore, don't be blinded by superficial rules, and use another set of rules to gain insight into the truth of things. In fact, this is an animal instinct that we can't get rid of. If you forget that we are derived from animals, then you cannot understand humanity and history. In "The Three-Body Problem", Wade said: If you lose your humanity, you will lose a lot, and if you lose your animal nature, you will lose everything. So, we can't lose our bestiality. In life, sometimes we show our animal nature, right? So, when do you show your animal nature?
Although we are often taught to follow the virtues of humility and sharing, in real life we have to admit that there is a tendency in human nature to be selfish and calculating. As you mentioned, two sets of rules coexist, one bright and one dark, one virtual and one real. Those who are really smart, they not only know how to apply the first set of rules, but they are also good at using the second set of rules to serve their own interests. The world is full of ornate garments and elaborate images. People use hypocritical rhetoric and hypocritical manners to disguise their inner calculations of interests.
Sometimes, we are even deluded by these appearances and forget the essence of human nature. However, as you reminded, we should not be blinded by superficial rules, but should use another set of rules to gain insight into the truth of things. In real life, we sometimes show our animal side. This is because in some cases, in order to survive and gain more benefits, we have to show a tough and selfish side. This animality is not entirely negative, it is also an important means of survival and development. Of course, we can't overemphasize animal nature and ignore human nature.
While pursuing personal interests, we should also pay attention to the feelings of others and the justice of society. Only by balancing animal nature and human nature can we truly achieve success without losing morality. So, for the topic you mentioned, I think we should have a comprehensive understanding. It is necessary to understand the complexity of human nature, but also to learn to protect and develop oneself in this complex world. Only in this way can we navigate our lives and work with ease and achieve real success.