Descartes proposed a famous mind-body dualism.
The core of his dualism is that the mind and body are two completely different entities, with distinct characteristics that interact with each other.
: Descartes believed that the material world consists of substances that occupy space and follow the laws of physics. This material world can be measured, observed, and quantified.
: The mind is an immaterial, unquantifiable entity. It relates to thinking, consciousness, emotions, will, and perception. Descartes' famous assertion "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum) is based on the existence of this world of thought.
Descartes believed that although the mind and body are two different entities, they interact in the "pineal gland." This interaction allows the body to influence the mind (for example, when we feel pain from an injury), and the mind to influence the body (for example, when we decide to move our arm, it moves).
This view of mind-body interaction has been criticized later, especially regarding the mechanism by which the mind interacts with the physical body. Nevertheless, Descartes' mind-body dualism has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and the philosophy of mind, providing an important foundation for subsequent thought.
Recently, I listened to a book called *What Have the Philosophers Done*, which includes an interpretation of dualism:
Imagine, aside from death, what do you fear the most?
Is it physical harm? Pain always passes, either because the other party stops inflicting violence or because we become numb to the pain.
Or is it the suffering of hunger? Hunger ultimately leads to two outcomes: either the end of life or a satisfying meal soon after.
Then, is it the feeling of shame? As long as we have a strong will, we can regard everything as nothing inside our hearts.
Others' ridicule and contempt are merely external voices, unrelated to our inner selves. So where does real humiliation come from? If physical pain, hunger, and shame cannot defeat us, then how significant are worldly pressures and poverty?
The journey of entrepreneurship is exactly like this.
Every problem and challenge is a path to becoming a better self. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we can get through them. What we need to do is enjoy the process of solving problems; the worst-case scenario is simply starting over. When we truly live as if embracing death, many problems naturally resolve themselves.
Not long ago, I chatted with our investor Yuan. After doing this for a few years, I started to enjoy entrepreneurship more and understand business operations better, gradually finding my rhythm. Entrepreneurship is an infinite game. Objectively accept external and worldly expectations, fully enjoy the game, and immerse yourself in it. Live in the present and carefully focus on every task at hand.