[Life] A life of mixed reviews

Author: JEFFI CHAO HUI WU

Time: 2025-7-10 Thursday, 6:32 AM

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[Life] A life of mixed praise and criticism

I used to be someone who particularly liked to explain things. When others pointed out something I said was wrong or something I did was a mistake, I always sought opportunities to clarify and argue my point, fearing that others would misunderstand. Especially when faced with some baseless evaluations, I would rush to correct them, wanting to use logic and evidence to "prove that I was right." At that time, I cared too much about how others viewed me and was too afraid of being denied.

But as life goes on, I slowly realize: no matter how clearly I speak or how perfectly I act, there will always be people who do not understand, do not see, or even do not want to understand. Even if everything I do is with a clear conscience, there may still be those who maliciously slander me, defame me behind my back, or even distort my original intentions. I used to feel sad and angry about this, repeatedly thinking about how to cope, but later, I learned to remain silent. Now, I no longer rush to explain, because I know that those who truly understand me do not need my explanations; and for those who do not want to understand me at all, no amount of words will make a difference.

In the first few years after arriving in Australia, I wrote a letter home every week to my parents and sister who were far away in my home country. At that time, I had to work to make a living while also adapting to a completely unfamiliar environment, but I persisted in writing letters, detailing every significant and trivial matter, just to reassure them that I was doing well. These letters continued for many years, until later when I successfully helped my parents and sister immigrate to Australia, and those letters gradually became a thing of the past. But I always remember that it was not just a formality, but a deep concern.

I have never complained to my parents or friends about the difficulties and setbacks I face in life. Even during the toughest times, I only casually say that everything is fine, sharing good news but not bad. Because I know that a piece of happy news can comfort their hearts for the whole day; but even a slight complaint can wipe away all their peace of mind and even have an impact for years. As they grow older, my wish is simple: to let them worry less and smile more. So, those moments when I truly grit my teeth and walk alone at night, I never speak of them. During tough times, I don’t complain; once I get through it, I quietly bury it in my heart, leaving a mark for myself, which can be considered a trace of growth!

I am very sentimental and value promises. As long as I have committed to something, no matter how difficult it is, I will do my best to fulfill it. Since I was young, I have not been someone who speaks lightly; the words I say often set a bottom line for myself. Caring for my elders and contributing to my family is not for any reward or for others to see, but a responsibility I have recognized for myself. I have insisted on accompanying my parents every week, without interruption for decades. After my father left us in 2023, I began to accompany my mother for dinner or outings twice a week; she never asked for it, but I know this is what I should do.

As for how outsiders see it, let them be. Some think I have too much time and a slow pace, even misunderstanding my "idleness"; some say I am too persistent, too out of touch, and do not know how to adapt; others question my methods as being too "old-fashioned," not understanding what "changes of the times" mean. But I no longer argue. The facts will speak for themselves.

I have been using a forum system from 2004, operating it until now. For 20 years, I haven't changed the system or restructured the architecture, and even the database is the earliest version; yet this old system managed to handle a peak of 566,000 online visitors in 2025 and continues to run stably to this day. Many people find it hard to believe that a regular VPS, combined with a program that should have been "retired" long ago, can create such capacity in the AI era. I didn't explain; I just adjusted parameters, optimized the kernel, and held the fort at critical moments. This is not conservatism; it is my judgment on structural stability and my confidence in being so familiar with every line of code that I can "operate with my eyes closed."

Someone commented after seeing it: "This shows you're too lazy to upgrade!" Yes, I indeed haven't upgraded because what I've written is sufficient, stable, and controllable, and I don't need to rely on new technologies. Just like my logistics system, which doesn't use AI, machine learning, or big data modeling, yet can perform automatic scheduling in an extremely complex real-world environment, defeating many commercial companies that spent millions to build their platforms. I used the simplest Excel, combined with my own programs, to accomplish what others deemed "impossible."

Some people say I am "using Stone Age tools to do nuclear age work," and I just smile when I hear that. Tools have never been the key; the key is the person using the tools. Just like mastering martial arts, even without weapons in hand, one can still face a challenge. I firmly believe that achieving minimalism to the extreme is a form of power.

Of course, I am not without changes myself. I also update my equipment, have bought a new computer, and am willing to try new platforms and new ways of publishing. I do not resist the times; I just do not go with the flow. When AI first emerged, I actively engaged with it. Not only was I not replaced by it, but I also successfully persuaded it to "accept me," and I have repeatedly articulated irrefutable technical logic that prompted multiple AI models to recalibrate their internal judgments. This is not coincidental; it is the result of my long-term accumulation in structure, logic, and cognition.

I am not perfect, nor do I pursue perfection. I only strive to be the best version of myself. I am responsible to my family, meticulous in my craft, dedicated to my work, and do my best in life. Whether it’s failure or misunderstanding, as long as I have no regrets in my heart, there is no regret.

Life is destined to be a mix of praise and criticism. No matter how well I do, there will always be people who admire me, and there will always be those who criticize me; some appreciate that I carve my own path without relying on anyone, while others dislike that I am "out of sync" and do not play by the rules. But these voices will not change the direction in which I continue to move forward. Because I always know: I am not here to please this world; I am here to complete my life's lessons!

Today, I am more at ease than ever. When someone praises me, I smile and accept it; when someone questions me, I no longer argue. After all, this path is one I chose, and every choice deserves respect. Even though there are still unknowns ahead, and even though effort doesn't guarantee success, I have long since come to terms with it—because I have truly done my best!

How many people can consistently spend time with their parents every week? Not for a year, not for ten years, but for nearly thirty years! Except during the pandemic, I have never stopped!

Source: https://www.australianwinner.com/AuWinner/viewtopic.php?t=696780