by and large I agree with your view on vacation. Comfort by itself isn’t so dangerous. Somehow, some Muslims, Christians, Hindu and Buddhist disciples/monks and other spiritual people do take an unusual stance on material comfort.

A large percentage of my role models over the years seem to hold similiar views on comfort, therefore my perceptions have been colored. Subconsciously i tend to attach a certain value to a simple, even harsh lifestyle with minimal material comfort and a lot of discpline, resourcefulness, self-reliance and flexibility

Perhaps related to this theme is a habit of working long hours. Now in my new job (i better learn to avoid mentioning it by name) i work 7 days a week, something few colleagues (if any) practise. I have trained myself over the years to adjust my lifestyle for long working hours.

Confucius’ student 颜回 is able to sustain his diligence partly because he is not so attached to comfort. I think for someone like Zi Gui (the rich student of Confucius) to emulate 颜回, the comfort life style would be a hindrince. I am still scratching my head to think of a good role model who enjoys comfort and still maintains a pure, simple heart. In a sense, too much material comfort can weaken and even corrupt the human mind. Human nature.

Look at monasteries and army training camps, including the 1-year military training for many Chinese university students. Some Thai parents want their sons to spend a few years in such a place.

Perhaps the biggest influence is my father’s simple lifestyle, simply because i see so much details of it. Simple food, clothing, simple home, super long working hours, not a lot of comfort for sure.

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