Mencius distinguishes two pursuits. Inner virtues like benevolence are fully attainable through personal effort. External wealth and status demand proper ways yet rely on fate, so one cannot guarantee gaining them.
When you face trying circumstances, everything that you encounter has the effect of bitter medicinal herbs and the stone needles used in acupuncture. These needles and medicines serve to refine your character and conduct, although you do not realize it.
In the still of the night, when a man sits alone in meditation, the first thing that happens is that his inordinate desires disappear, and his true self holds sway.