November 2025 – Page 3

“There are two things in this world one should never look at directly: the sun, and the human heart.” —Higashino Keigo

I recently came across this story online, and it deeply moved me. It reminded me that trust and kindness are fragile treasures—once broken, they are hard to mend. I would like to share this wisdom with everyone who reads my blog, especially in times when misunderstandings and suspicion can so easily damage the relationships we cherish most.

Once, there was a newly married couple deeply in love, inseparable and affectionate.
But the wife began to doubt her husband’s loyalty. Her suspicion grew stronger each day until she asked her best friend to “test” her husband’s faithfulness.

To her shock, the two fell in love with each other. What started as a test ended in betrayal.
In the end, the marriage was destroyed—not by infidelity itself, but by mistrust and the reckless act of testing love.

🧬 The Scientist Who Refused to Test

Finsen, the world-renowned Danish medical scientist and Nobel laureate, once chose a young man named Harry as his successor.

Some colleagues worried that Harry might not endure the long, tedious years of research. Finsen’s assistant suggested testing him by having a wealthy friend offer him a high-paying job to see whether Harry would stay or leave.

But Finsen firmly rejected the idea, saying:

“Never stand on a moral high ground to look down on others, and never test human nature.
Harry was born in poverty and naturally desires financial security. If we place him between an easy, well-paid job and the hardship of research but expect him to choose sacrifice, we are demanding him to be a saint. That would be unfair.”

Years later, Harry became one of Denmark’s most respected medical scientists. When he learned that Finsen had refused to test him, he wept and said:

“If my mentor had tested my integrity with a lucrative offer, I would likely have failed.
At that time, my mother was ill and my younger siblings depended on me for their schooling.
If Finsen had set that test for me, there would be no me as I am today.”

🌿 The Truth About Human Nature

Indeed, ordinary people are not saints—everyone has weaknesses. If we constantly test others—our spouse’s loyalty, our friends’ sincerity, or our coworkers’ honesty—we will often end up with disappointment and broken trust.

In the first story, had the wife trusted her husband instead of testing him, the marriage might have survived.

Finsen understood that human nature is fragile. True wisdom lies not in setting traps to measure others’ virtue, but in tolerating uncertainty with compassion.

Testing human nature is like striking a porcelain bowl—it will only reveal its fragility by breaking it.
Trust, on the other hand, is like holding that bowl gently in your hands—preserving its wholeness, beauty, and purpose.

In life, love, and friendship, may we learn to trust with kindness and lead with understanding.
After all, it is not the test that reveals the truth of a heart, but the grace with which we choose not to test it.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/06/the-fragility-of-trust/

Cabbage is one of the most common vegetables in our daily lives. Because it is so ordinary, many people tend to overlook its remarkable health benefits. While people often say “rarity makes things precious,” the truth is that some of the simplest, most affordable foods are also the most nourishing — and cabbage is one of them.

Once considered “the food of the poor,” cabbage has long been underestimated. In the 15th century, a Parisian writer even remarked that the poor ate cabbages and turnips instead of bread. Perhaps that old prejudice lingers today — many still see cabbage as plain and unrefined. Yet, with rising grocery costs and a renewed interest in wholesome eating, it’s time to rediscover this modest, versatile vegetable and bring it back to our tables.

A Traditional View: Cabbage in Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cabbage has a neutral nature and a sweet flavor. It nourishes the stomach and intestines, promoting healthy digestion and balanced energy.

Let’s explore some of its wonderful health benefits:

1. Anti-Aging Properties

Cabbage is rich in antioxidants that combat cellular oxidation and delay the aging process. For those seeking to maintain youthful vitality, a simple bowl of cabbage may hold more power than any expensive serum.

2. Boosts Immunity

Packed with vitamin C, cabbage strengthens the immune system, helping the body fend off colds and infections while enhancing overall energy and resilience.

3. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure

Cabbage contains high levels of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and supporting cardiovascular health.

4. Prevents Osteoporosis

Abundant in vitamin K, cabbage aids in blood clotting and calcium absorption, strengthening bones and teeth while preventing osteoporosis.

5. Promotes Digestive Health

Cabbage contains vitamin U, known as the “anti-ulcer factor.” It helps regulate stomach acid, heal ulcers, and soothe the digestive tract. Japanese studies have found that cabbage’s glucosinolates can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to gastritis and ulcers.

6. Cancer Prevention

The sulfur-containing compound isothiocyanate gives cabbage its distinctive aroma — and its powerful anti-cancer properties. This compound helps neutralize toxins, protect cells, and reduce cancer risk.

7. Rich in Folic Acid

Folic acid in cabbage is essential for pregnant women, helping prevent fetal malformations and supporting healthy red blood cell production.

8. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cabbage contains natural phytoncides — plant-based antibacterial compounds — that reduce inflammation, fight infections, and even soothe sore throats or small wounds.

Culinary Versatility

Cabbage’s mild flavor and satisfying crunch make it a versatile kitchen staple:

Salads and Slaws: Shred cabbage with carrots, apples, or nuts for a refreshing, colorful slaw.
Stir-Fry: Sauté with garlic and soy sauce for a simple yet delicious side.
Soups and Stews: Add chopped cabbage for extra nutrition and heartiness.
Fermented Foods: The star ingredient in sauerkraut and kimchi — both rich in probiotics and flavor.
Stuffed Dishes: Use cabbage leaves to wrap rice, lentils, or meats for comforting stuffed rolls.

Lightly Pickled Cabbage: A Liver Cleanser and Detox Aid

Cabbage contains indoles, anti-cancer nutrients that also protect the liver and enhance detoxification. When cabbage is lightly pickled, its benefits multiply.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sour flavors are believed to nourish the liver. Lightly pickled cabbage helps detoxify the body, strengthen immunity, beautify the skin, and support cardiovascular and digestive health.

Fermented cabbage is also a powerful probiotic food. Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacteria from fermented cabbage like kimchi, supports the gut microbiome — the foundation of our immune system and overall well-being.

Easy Recipe: Lightly Pickled Cabbage

Ingredients

500 g cabbage
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Wash and drain the cabbage, then slice it finely.
Divide into two portions. Place half in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and gently knead until softened.
Add the remaining half, the rest of the salt, and sugar. Continue kneading until juicy.
Pack into a clean glass jar with its liquid.
Seal and leave in a cool place for half a day to lightly ferment, then refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Cabbage may not have the glamour of kale or the trendiness of arugula, but it carries quiet strength and wisdom — a reminder that simplicity often hides great value. In a world obsessed with novelty and luxury, perhaps we can learn from this humble vegetable: to nourish deeply, give generously, and thrive quietly.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/06/the-humble-cabbage-an-overlooked-treasure-of-health-and-simplicity/