When Chen Shimei was a reclusive scholar in the countryside, he wasn't truly a man, for he had never faced the baptism of temptation.Later, after becoming the top scholar in the imperial exams and meeting the princess in the capital, he matured into a true man. Yet, unable to resist the allure of power and beauty, he descended into becoming a bad man. In times of peace, the temptations men face rarely involve extreme trials like life-or-death situations or war. Instead, they are more often soft temptations like opportunity, status, money, and beautiful women.In such circumstances, a confident, unrestrained, mature, and bold man should have the courage to declare: I fear no temptation!
Facing temptation, two convenient excuses
Men are born to face the test of temptation, for it lurks everywhere! Because men need to grow; yet, when men cannot escape temptation, they often resort to two convenient excuses: one is "I'm just too soft-hearted";Second, "What cat doesn't steal fish?"—merely "committing an error all men worldwide commit." Yet excuses remain excuses, not justifications.
Throughout human history and culture, men predominantly appear as the "tempted" party, revealing this as their inherent duty! Frankly, Adam never regretted the serpent's temptation, for it was temptation that first taught him shame and modesty.Men welcome temptation, primarily because of its stunning visual impact. It awakens everything already within us—desire, will, or morality. If you fear it, either you have something to hide or you lack confidence. Men are born "creatures to be tested," enduring trials throughout their lives. Thus, temptation is merely a required course for men.
To call temptation a destructive flood or ferocious beast is clearly overstating it. Our immunity has grown stronger—unlike Chen Shimei on his first trip to the city, where everything felt fresh and curious, leaving him vulnerable and unable to resist temptation. If you grow up surrounded by temptation, you won't faint at the sight of a collarbone, bleed from the nose at the glimpse of a thigh, or struggle to breathe at the sight of money.
Temptation constantly tests a man's emotional intelligence.
No real man dislikes temptation—unless he's a hypocrite. Some fear temptation because they doubt their willpower yet possess a moral compass; true rogues or scoundrels have no such qualms.
Temptation is how the world of glamour exists. A sign stands on the lawn before a church, boldly proclaiming:If you're weary of temptation, come inside." Below, in red lipstick, another line reads: "If you're not weary, call XXX in Manhattan." Angels are holy in contrast to demons. Fear not temptation—it exists for the battle between good and evil within us.Psychologists tell us that among a group of children, the one who can resist reaching for the chocolate within arm's reach until the very end possesses the highest emotional intelligence. This child demonstrates the strongest self-control and is likely to achieve the most in life. Temptation can be a trap, a source of motivation, or even an opportunity. What men should do when faced with temptation is to follow the rules of crossing the street: stop, look, then proceed.
Men Slain by Temptation
Andy Lau has maintained his star power from his twenties to nearly fifty, thanks to his steadfast principles. Though the entertainment industry brims with temptations, he has deflected them effortlessly.
In 44 BC, Mark Antony ruled the western Roman Empire, which included Egypt.During a tour of Egypt, he succumbed to the allure of Queen Cleopatra's beauty and the temptation of conquest. At her urging, he launched a campaign against the Eastern Roman Empire. The hero suffered defeat in a pivotal battle and took his own life a year later. Before dying, he pointed to the heavens and lamented: "I was lured to my death!"
The stronger one's will to resist human frailties, the greater their success. Sleeping late, staying up all night, eating late-night snacks, smoking—these are all bad habits born of yielding to temptation. The crux lies in testing a man's self-discipline. Wang Yung-ching, Taiwan's business tycoon, rose at 5:30 a.m. daily to run 5,000 meters even at age 86, maintaining this routine for years.This is self-discipline. With this strength, you can resist any temptation, including the lure of sleeping in.
Those who withstand temptation find peace; those who succumb to it suffer inner torment. Everyone knows what temptation is, yet some fall prey to it while others overcome it—the true test lies in the heart.