This world has two sets of rules: one is the overt set of benevolent and moral rules, and the other is the hidden set of rules governing people's hearts and minds, which can be summarized as "outward Confucianism, inward Legalism."
Outward Confucianism refers to outwardly adhering to the rules of benevolence and morality. These overt rules are about benevolence, morality, politeness, kindness, principles, and consideration for others. What you hear in schools, workplaces, and the media is basically this set of rules; it teaches you to be a good person, an honest person, a qualified person. This set of rules addresses "how not to be eliminated," not "how to climb the ladder."
Inward Legalism refers to the hidden set of rules that governs survival through "method, tactics, and power." This hidden set of rules is the true logic that determines the flow of resources and one's position. Human nature is to seek advantage and avoid harm; relationships revolve around interests; and power comes from control, not flattery.
The so-called "method, tactics, and power" is actually quite easy to understand in a modern context. "Method" doesn't refer to harsh punishments, but rather to a sense of rules and boundary management. You need to be clear about what you can and cannot do, where the bottom line is, and what the consequences will be. "Skill" refers to understanding human nature and communication strategies, knowing how to motivate, balance, negotiate, and leverage, rather than expressing oneself emotionally. "Power" refers to your position, leverage, and influence; essentially, your "irreplaceability" in the eyes of others.
Many people are trapped in a misconception: believing that as long as they are kind, hardworking, and sincere, the world will treat them kindly. But reality is more like a structured game; you must possess two sets of abilities simultaneously: appealing to emotions with subordinates and leveraging power with superiors; adhering to morality externally and calculating interests internally. Only speaking of morality makes you easily manipulated; only playing power games won't take you long.
True maturity isn't about jumping from "outward Confucianism" to "inward Legalism," but rather a unity of both: establishing oneself with morality, protecting oneself with rules, and breaking through barriers with understanding. Being outwardly gentle but inwardly clear-headed; appearing easy to get along with but actually having boundaries; not actively scheming against others, but never being easily manipulated.
Ultimately, this world doesn't reward the kindest people, but rather the most clear-headed and structured individuals. You don't have to become an "emperor," but you should at least understand some "the art of emperorship," so that you won't just play a role assigned to you in the real-life game.