There is an intriguing short film online, a conceptual piece by director Takuya Okada, released in 2011. The film tells the story of "a city filled with factories and towering smokestacks, where the murky air suffocates and dulls the faces of the youth. Each child is assigned a number and sent to a factory called 'school' in an attempt to create obedient, uniform products—children who are good and compliant...".

A thought-provoking commentary by online user Blackstreet.D.sTrEEt notes, “The short film 'CHILDREN' uses symbolism, suggestion, and metaphor to depict the distorted development of children’s education in an industrial society. The director tears apart the facade of equality, freedom, and justice that masks the superficial grandeur of education. The zipper mouths symbolize the children’s lack of voice and expression. The education of replication and assimilation strips children of their sense of individuality. In the end, the children resort to violence to break free from the confines of the educational system. One child sacrifices his life to save a dog—a symbol of vitality—but laughs in the end, for he finally attains freedom and releases his true nature, never again bound by the zipper.”

Those interested in this film can view it on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4oz2u6OHY).

Isn't this perception of life much like our own? What is the value of a life lived just for the sake of living? If there is none, then to many, such a conclusion would sound harsh— especially to those who have spent their entire lives laboring for the necessities of life. But it is not so; even a life lived for mere survival carries its own measure of worth.

A life dedicated to truly living will ultimately resonate with Confucius’ realization of a life that reaches “without doubt, understanding the decree of Heaven, and attaining the stage where one is at ease with it.” The learner of life approaches every event without forceful pursuit or unwarranted opposition, without favoritism or bias, without distance or closeness, following the path of righteousness. Righteousness is the principle and standard for action. (Confucius said: “The gentleman has no biases; he only associates with what is right.” — The Analects, Li Ren)

The essence of "understanding life" is perhaps found here. Though there might be a set of standards that universally applies to everyone, perfect adherence to it is practically impossible. Therefore, it is reasonable for each person to have the own guiding principle that aligns with their life.

To me, understanding life is the journey of learning to yield and humble oneself to the fate that lies behind it. A supreme standard of righteousness may never be fully achieved in one's lifetime, but that does not strip it of its meaning. Why present a standard of righteousness that we may never fully attain?

It is like the North Star in the sky; we may never reach its vicinity in our lifetime, but it serves as an excellent guide, a beacon for lost sailors.