# Remember 03 · The Narrow Bridge

By [pan lei](https://paragraph.com/@pan-lei) · 2025-09-15

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Remember 03 · The Narrow Bridge
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During school years, the most glorious thing was getting high grades. But once out of school, many high-achieving students still believe their greatest skill is competing for a single coveted spot among tens of thousands — like crossing a narrow bridge. In society, this often evolves into pursuing various popular paths that promise low risk and high return. Winning once seems to promise not only a respectable and proper future but also a sense of security from achieving a goal admired by the majority. The problem is, winning once doesn’t mean you’ll always win. As a result, many top students turn their personal growth into constant competition with others. As they age, with declining energy and stamina, it’s common to see them reach middle age and fall into difficulties. It’s not because they lack intelligence or effort, but because they avoid opportunities that lack clear answers, seem less respectable, or are filled with uncertainty. In doing so, they let countless opportunities slip away. Do you think this makes sense?

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*Originally published on [pan lei](https://paragraph.com/@pan-lei/remember-03-the-narrow-bridge)*