Stand at God's perspective to look at life. 99% of our efforts will ultimately be in vain. Of course, no effort is completely wasted, because we always learn something in the process of striving; any experience can become an opportunity for learning.

For example, 99% of the papers we wrote, the books we read, and the exercises we did during our student years are not applicable to real life. The papers we wrote and the geography and history knowledge we learned have never come in handy. Yet these learning experiences taught us certain things—some ideas subtly became our spiritual motivation. The perseverance and determination that carried us from knowing nothing to mastering something are part of cultivating the mind, and they are even more invaluable.

Perhaps 99% of what we go through will never be useful, but the 1% that brings us insight and wisdom is what truly shapes who we are today. There is no need to avoid experiencing that 99%; instead, while going through everything, try to find that 1%.