Life may be long, but only a few steps truly matter.

     I've always enjoyed reading biographies because I firmly believe that history is essentially the history of people, and learning from history often means learning from people.

    During my university years, I experienced a period of confusion, unable to see my direction in life, feeling depressed and lost every day. Inspired by a friend, I read many biographies of famous people. I set aside their great achievements and focused solely on their student days. Whether it was a turning point in their lives, hoping to gain some inspiration; a moment of amnesia, hoping for some encouragement; or a moment of triumph, hoping for some advice. I focused particularly on business figures and Harvard elites, because I deeply admired Harvard's educational philosophy—though I couldn't be there in person, I longed for it. That reading experience truly benefited me greatly, prompting much reflection.

    When I read Kinsey's biography, I discovered that he loved biology but was forced by his father to study mechanical engineering, which he found extremely difficult. Later, he transferred to the biology department at the University of Maine, beginning his professional career. He then published the 'Kinsey Reports,' a landmark work in academia and medicine. He told us that a person's greatest success lies in understanding their own strengths, finding a suitable path for development, and maximizing their potential, because "everyone's greatest potential for growth lies in their strongest area of ​​strength."

    While reading Lippmann's biography, I learned that Harvard champions freedom of speech; people can discuss the world, bold and novel ideas, and unconventional thoughts. Heresy has always been a part of Harvard's spirit, encouraged and supported by the school. One of Lippmann's critical articles on current affairs even delighted the renowned psychologist William James, who personally visited him. Imagine a 70-year-old professor, renowned worldwide, knocking on a freshman's dormitory door and chatting with a 20-year-old. What a moving scene! In university, I didn't encounter such a teacher, nor was there an atmosphere of free discussion around me. I had to restrain myself, study diligently, and write freely to compensate for my shortcomings.

    There are other figures, such as Lin Yutang's transcendence, Roosevelt's turning the tide, Kissinger's strategic planning, and Bill Gates's courageous decisions. Although my memory of the book is somewhat hazy after reading it, their life plans and goals, and the brilliance of their spirit, will continue to illuminate my path.

    Of course, I don't idolize elites, nor will I deliberately imitate them, because everyone should have the freedom and courage to be themselves. But I believe that extraordinary people possess extraordinary qualities. People are ultimately products of their own choices, and these individuals achieved success by making the right choices at crucial moments in their lives, reflecting their breadth of vision and excellent character.

    The writer Liu Qing once said, "The road of life is long, but often only a few steps are crucial." I hope that the life experiences of the Harvard elites in the book, especially those crucial steps, can guide me to understand myself, reflect on my life, and live a positive, fulfilling, and yet transcendent and free life. Like them, I want to live a magnificent and brilliant life, and often sincerely exclaim: "Just like that, I live in this precious world!"

    Napoleon once said, "Life is like a game of chess, and your opponent is time. If you hesitate before acting or procrastinate, you will lose the game due to the excessive time spent. Your opponent does not allow you to hesitate." If you continue to stagnate, then please take the time to talk to them sincerely; perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised.