Ma Tianxu: A Letter to My Daughter

My dearest Miaomiao:

My daughter, upon receiving this letter, I hope you are doing well! Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, you've grown from a babbling toddler into a lively and lovely little girl. I remember your first steps, your first words—every milestone you've reached has been a delightful surprise, and I've rejoiced with you at each achievement.

As an engineer, the nature of my work requires me to stay on projects, leading to limited time with you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you were sick or during holidays. I hope you understand, because when I'm in my work uniform, I can't hold you, and when I'm out of it, I can't provide for you.

Recently, the company has launched a series of integrity warning education activities. Taking this opportunity, I'd like to share some thoughts with you, hoping they will be helpful in your future life.

During the pandemic, you came to know a 84 year-old grandfather through television and mobile screens—Zhong Nanshan. 17 Spanning years, and through two battles against the epidemic, he is a true pillar of our nation, a national hero. I'm very pleased that you consider him an idol. He once said, "A person living in this world should constantly reflect on how to handle the relationship between self-interest and the greater good, between giving and receiving." I hope you can be like Academician Zhong, someone who contributes to society.

My dear daughter, the rise of youth leads to the rise of the nation; the strength of youth leads to the strength of the nation. You bear the future of the nation and the country on your shoulders—a heavy responsibility and a long journey. I hope you not only learn cultural knowledge but also moral character. When you enter society, you will face the dazzling allure of material wealth and the overwhelming flow of desires. Sometimes, the fleeting pleasure of a superficially rich life can lead us astray. I hope you remember: "Only frugality can aid integrity, only forgiveness can cultivate virtue." Frugality can supplement poverty, cultivate integrity, and nurture ambition.

As an engineer, in my not-so-long career, when faced with material temptations, I've also been confused and hesitant. But fortunately, when confronted with these temptations, I had you, a group of good colleagues, respect and love for my profession, and the responsibility of raising my children. It is you who have enabled me to uphold my principles and bottom lines. I want to strive to be your role model, to be true to myself and to society. I hope you see my positive qualities and become an upright, strong, and dedicated person.

"Pure as autumn chrysanthemums, it doesn't matter if they are thin; upright as plum blossoms, they fear no cold." Cultivate humility in learning, caution in handling power, detachment in dealing with fame and fortune, vigilance against temptation, gratitude for supervision, and joy in life. Carry forward the traditional virtues of diligence, thrift, and hard work. Learn to be content and cherish your hard-earned work, family, and happy life. In this way, you can navigate the turning points in life and steer your own course.

People often say, "A family with thousands of gold only needs three meals a day; a house with hundreds of rooms only needs one bed." When blinded by external possessions, one cannot see the vastness of the world or feel the beauty of life. Approach life with an ordinary heart, cherish what you have, and your life will be rich.

Between reality and ideals, the constant is the journey. May you sow the seeds of youthful dreams and reap a harvest of golden joy.

Alright, I'll put down my pen now!

Your loving father, Ma Tianxu