Richard Du, the Founder and Chairman of SANTOS Holdings, stood at the helm of a successful real estate investment firm in New York City. Despite his achievements, Richard recognized that many of his team members were caught up in the hustle of daily tasks, often losing sight of what truly mattered in life. He decided it was time to share some essential life principles that had guided him throughout his journey. Richard called for a team meeting, inviting everyone to a spacious conference room with a panoramic view of the city skyline. As his team settled in, he began to speak, his voice calm yet firm.
“Thank you all for being here today. I want to take a moment to talk about something beyond our quarterly goals and project timelines. I want to talk about life itself and what truly matters,” he said, pausing to let his words sink in. He started with the first principle: “The core of family is economics, not emotions.” Richard shared a personal story about his parents, who had always emphasized financial stability over emotional turmoil. “We must ensure our families are secure, as true love often manifests through our ability to provide and protect.”
Next, he touched on work, stating, “The principle of the workplace is value, not effort.” He explained how merely putting in long hours doesn’t guarantee success; instead, creating tangible value for clients and the company is what truly counts. His team nodded in agreement, realizing they often equated busyness with productivity.
Moving to social interactions, Richard said, “The key to social interactions is mutual benefit, not mere friendship.” He emphasized that relationships should be built on shared interests and benefits, encouraging his team to network strategically while still maintaining genuine connections.
Richard continued by discussing education, stating, “The purpose of education is to cultivate abilities, not to pursue scores.” He encouraged the team to seek knowledge and skills that would improve their performance and personal growth rather than just chasing grades.
He addressed health, saying, “The element of health is self-discipline, not medical care.” Richard shared his own routine of exercise and balanced nutrition, stressing the importance of taking proactive steps for health rather than relying solely on doctors.
As he moved through the principles, the atmosphere in the room began to shift. Richard spoke of love, asserting, “The foundation of love is understanding, not passion.” He explained that Deep connections are built on mutual respect and understanding rather than fleeting emotions.
Richard continued, his passion evident as he delved deeper into the values that shaped his worldview. “The key point of entrepreneurship is market demand, not personal preference,” he remarked, stressing the importance of aligning business ventures with what the market truly needs, rather than chasing personal interests. He reminded his team that successful businesses thrive on addressing the demands of customers, not just what they find enjoyable.
Next, he shared his insights on investing: “The principle of investing is risk control, not high returns.” Richard recounted his early days of investing, where he learned the hard way that chasing after the highest returns without understanding the associated risks can lead to significant losses. “Always focus on managing risk,” he advised, “because a sustainable approach will yield consistent results over time.”
“The pursuit of life is happiness, not success,” he continued. Richard explained that true fulfillment comes from enjoying the journey, not just the accolades. “Remember,” he said, “success is often fleeting, but happiness is a choice we can make every day.”
As he addressed retirement, he stated, “The assurance of retirement is early planning, not relying on children.” Richard highlighted the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s future, encouraging his team to plan and save for their golden years. “It’s essential to build your own nest egg; don’t leave your future in someone else’s hands.”
Richard then shifted to personal growth: “The motivation for growth is reflection, not experience.” He encouraged his team to take time for self-reflection, to learn from their successes and failures, rather than simply accumulating experiences without analysis.
He moved on to the meaning of learning: “The meaning of learning is application, not the accumulation of knowledge.” Richard urged his team to apply what they learned in real-life situations, turning theoretical knowledge into practical skills that could benefit their work and lives. “The reward of traveling is insight, not just taking photos,” he said with a smile. He shared his memorable travels and how each experience taught him valuable lessons, broadening his perspective beyond the confines of the office.
As the meeting neared its conclusion, Richard emphasized the importance of responsibility in relationships: “The support of marriage is responsibility, not romance.” He reflected on his own marriage and the commitment it took to build a strong partnership, emphasizing that love requires work and dedication.
Finally, he concluded with the most impactful principle: “**The wisdom of life is contentment, not endless desire.**” Richard looked around the room, making eye contact with several team members. “In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting more—more money, more recognition, more everything. But true wisdom lies in appreciating what we have and finding joy in the present moment.”
He shared a story from his own life, recalling a time when he was so focused on achieving the next big milestone that he overlooked the simple pleasures around him—like family dinners, weekend outings, and quiet moments of reflection. “It was only when I took a step back and recognized the abundance already in my life that I found genuine happiness,” he said, his voice steady and sincere.
Richard then concluded the meeting with a call to action. “I urge each of you to reflect on these principles and consider how they can reshape your perspectives—not just in your careers, but in your personal lives as well. Life is not just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving the next promotion. It’s about creating meaningful relationships, finding joy in small moments, and living with intention.”
As he finished speaking, the room was filled with a thoughtful silence. Team members were visibly moved, some taking notes, others deep in contemplation. Richard smiled, knowing he had sparked something meaningful within them.
“Let’s commit to being mindful of our true priorities,” he said, breaking the silence. “Let’s support one another in our growth, celebrate our successes together, and, most importantly, embrace a mindset of gratitude and contentment.”