In interpersonal relationships and the philosophy of life, "taking advantage" is often misinterpreted as "shrewdness" or "being good at managing life." However, true wisdom often lies in its opposite.

This article will delve into the short-sightedness and harm behind "taking advantage" through philosophical exposition and ancient and modern stories, revealing the long-term well-being and great life wisdom contained in "not taking advantage" and "being willing to suffer losses." It aims to guide readers to reshape their value judgments and embrace a more abundant and grounded life.

I. Taking Advantage is Gaining Small but Losing Big: Apparent Gain, Actual Hidden Disaster
The essence of taking advantage is claiming undeserved benefits beyond one's due, and its consequences often far outweigh the gains.

1. Ancient Admonition: As stated in Caigen Tan: "Do not seek undeserved blessings, do not covet unearned gains." Gains not rightfully yours are either a test or a trap; fortune and misfortune are intertwined.

2. Fable as a Mirror: The story of "Zhang Kuang's Coin Trick" in the text is highly symbolic. A villager, tempted by the illusions inside the coin's square hole, stuck his head in, only to be beaten and trapped, with the obtained jewels turning into mud, stones, and poisonous insects. This vividly illustrates: coveting small gains from a "coin hole" not meant for you will eventually lead to self-entrapment and greater cost.

3. Practical Logic: In interpersonal interactions, taking advantage of others (money, time, favors) may seem beneficial but actually consumes trust and damages reputation. Greed for petty gains may cost you goodwill and long-term cooperation opportunities. As the saying goes, "Greed for small advantages leads to big losses."

II. Taking Advantage Depletes Blessings: Overdrawing the Future, Eroding Foundations
From a deeper perspective, the behavioral pattern of taking advantage can subtly affect one's destiny and fortune.

1. Perspective of Energy Conservation: Receiving more than you give essentially depletes past accumulated blessings to fill the gap; conversely, giving more than you receive accumulates new merit and blessings. "Loss is a blessing" is not an empty saying but aligns with a broad view of energy balance.

2. Fable of Fateful Choice: Before reincarnation, the soul choosing "to receive" becomes a beggar, while the one choosing "to serve others" becomes an official. This metaphor suggests: a mindset accustomed to taking and benefiting easily attracts a life situation of lack and passivity.

3. Reflection on Modern Example: The example of altering one's age to gain social security advantages, resulting in worsened health, illustrates that benefits obtained through improper means often require compensation from other aspects of life (e.g., health, peace). The way of heaven is ultimately fair; gains got by trickery will eventually demand a price.

III. Not Taking Advantage is Long-Term Acumen: Perspective Determines Outcome
Not taking advantage and proactively accepting losses demonstrate a perspective and wisdom that transcends immediate interests, often leading to greater rewards in the end.

1. Wisdom of Ancients: Zheng Banqiao's "Loss is a blessing" paired with "Rare Confused (Confused here means strategic vagueness, not acting overly clever)" reveals a higher-level philosophy of life. Not clinging to small immediate gains allows one to maintain clarity, preserve dignity, and focus on the bigger picture.

2. Business Exemplar: Beijing Tongrentang Pharmacy adhered to benevolence during turbulent times, not raising prices but offering free clinics and even referring customers to competitors. While appearing to suffer losses in the short term, it won irreplaceable brand reputation and public respect, laying the foundation for its century-old legacy.

3. Trait of Successful Individuals: Yu Minhong selflessly served his classmates during university, seeming to "lose out," but a decade later, when starting his business, he gained their strong support. This confirms the principle of "great giving leads to great gain": sincere giving and concessions build deep trust and networks, which is immense wealth immeasurable by short-term gains.