Simplicity is good

 　　What is the best thing in life? Different people may have different answers, but many people, after experiencing life's trials for a long time, will deeply realize that simplicity is best.

　　Drinking plain water is good—a bowl of plain water, colorless and tasteless, simple and easy to obtain; just boil cold water to 100 degrees Celsius, and you have it easily, without much effort. However, some people take it for granted, ignoring its existence. Of course, fresh green tea, strong black tea, bitter tea, and other fine teas may bring joy; sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy drinks each have their own unique flavor, and can be savored; various shades of coffee, from black to white and strong to light, can calm the mind and refresh the spirit, captivating many. However, these processed things all have their own weaknesses and shortcomings. Only natural, plain water, like air, seems dispensable, but in reality, it plays a very important role in life, and people cannot live without it for even a moment.

　　Eating whole grains is good—With the rapid development of modern society, people's living standards are constantly improving, and the food culture is also diverse and abundant. Chicken, duck, fish, meat, delicacies from land and sea, fried, grilled, and grilled dishes, a combination of meat and vegetables—eating a high-end meal can certainly satisfy the palate. However, even the most sumptuous foods are fine to try occasionally, but eating them continuously will make one nauseous. Therefore, the most basic thing is still to eat whole grains regularly without getting tired of them. Many people can't live without the three staple foods their whole lives: steamed buns, cabbage, and millet porridge, eating them with relish and comfort. Nowadays, many people living in big cities, regardless of age or gender, have switched from eating large amounts of meat and fish to simple meals, which is a great improvement in lifestyle.

　　Wearing coarse cloth clothes is good—occasionally, when rummaging through the closet, you might find an old coarse cloth shirt, wash it, dry it, and wear it, and it feels so comfortable against your skin. I can't help but recall my childhood, when every household had a spinning wheel and a loom. The villagers would process the cotton they harvested from the fields, turning it into cotton thread. Women would work in the fields during the day, and in the evenings or during the winter off-season, they would sit at their looms, busily making one coarse cloth garment after another. Now, with the progress of the times, all sorts of fashionable and trendy fabrics are dazzling. In summer there's silk, hemp, and satin; in winter there's pure wool, down, and mink. But over time, people have gradually realized that what's truly popular is still pure cotton, coarse cloth clothing. It feels so simple, natural, and comfortable to wear.

　　Living in an ordinary house is good—a house, simple and plain, is best. It should have a balcony for natural light, a bed for sleeping, a dining table for eating, and a bathroom for bathing. Comfortable living is the greatest satisfaction. Surrounded by neighbors, relatives, friends, and childhood playmates, living in such a place allows for mutual care, conversation, and walks, bringing a sense of security. There's a market right outside, selling everyday necessities like rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—you can bargain freely and shop at your leisure. While it may not be as spacious as a grand mansion, high-rise building, or villa, those mansions always seem to carry an indescribable loneliness, coldness, and solitude, lacking the lively atmosphere

　　of a large family. The smell of home is the best—the outside world is wonderful! Skyscrapers stand tall, mountains are majestic, fields are beautiful, and scenery is picturesque, but even the best scenery can only be appreciated briefly. Only home is truly yours forever. Home is a harbor, a haven and resting place when you're tired from the outside world, a source of family unity and the strength to weave love. Home is a place of freedom, relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying life. A ray of bright sunlight on the balcony, a vibrant painting in the living room, a bouquet of blooming flowers in the bedroom—every home has its own unique style, but only your own home is the sweetest. Even without mansions, cars, gold and silver, or luxurious facilities, there are loving family members, harmonious kinship, and a warm, romantic, and sweet atmosphere that money can't buy.

　　Walking along winding country lanes is wonderful—passing through bustling crowds, along shady paths in courtyards, brushing against the dense willows by the river, admiring the beautiful, undulating mountains in the distance, leisurely strolling forward, the heart is so joyful and content. Looking back at the life in this city, how congested are cars! How crowded are buses! How expensive are taxis! And the constant flow of people rushing through the streets, the ceaseless noise and clamor, bringing so much trouble! Therefore, it's much better to stroll freely along this winding country lane! You can go wherever you want, sit down and rest when you're tired, you can read, read the newspaper, listen to music, close your eyes and think about anything, no one will disturb you, and you don't have to worry about getting points deducted or fined for jaywalking. In the vast sea of ​​people, you are just an ordinary member. No one knows you, no one watches, no one is surrounded by fans or entourages. When thirsty, you simply buy a bottle of mineral water and drink it; when hungry, you find a roadside shop, order a sweet potato, a flatbread, an egg, or a bowl of shredded pork noodles, eat, and leave. What a free and easy life that is!

　　Returning to the Loess Plateau is wonderful—descends have passed since I joined the army, but whenever I think of my hometown, I still feel a deep longing and a reluctance to leave. Whenever I return to the land that gave me birth and nurtured me, I still feel immense excitement and joy. The boundless plains, the endless green fields, present a captivating landscape. That familiar land, that winding river, that small village, those hardworking, simple, and kind villagers—everything is still so dear to me, because that is my root! For thousands of years, generation after generation, people have lived on this land, living off it and growing from it; they are the land's devout children. No matter how long they've been away, how far they've traveled, how high their position, or how much money they have, their hearts will always yearn for their hometown and miss this land. Whenever they set foot on this land, embrace it, merge with it, and kiss it, they can hear the earth pulsating with life. When you bend down, grab a handful of soil, and smell the primal scent of nature, you feel an unparalleled sense of intimacy, warmth, and happiness.

　　People's lives are truly diverse and varied: some are smooth sailing, some are full of twists and turns; some achieve great success, some remain unknown; some are turbulent, some are gentle streams. But no matter how great one's past fame and fortune, everyone eventually returns to simplicity, to a state of zero, towards peace, tranquility, and tranquility. Only by living a simple, ordinary life can one truly achieve great fortune and longevity, living a truly fulfilling and lasting life.