Never Complain About Injustice at Work — Choose Magnanimity Instead (Part 1)

Have you faced discrimination at work?

Have your views or opinions been deliberately ignored by your supervisor?

Has relevant work information or decisions been intentionally withheld from you?

Do others lack sincerity in their attitude toward you?

Is your pay or compensation unfair?

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The workplace always seems to be full of all kinds of unfairness, stirring up our negative emotions and dampening our enthusiasm for work.

There is no such thing as absolute fairness in the world, especially in the workplace. Amid complex relationships and conflicts of interest, criticism and grievances are inevitable. Getting angry solves nothing—so learn to respond with an open heart.

There is no "absolute" fairness in the office.

When we angrily curse the unfairness in the office, why not try thinking from another angle: Why do I encounter unfairness? If you discover the reason and then change it, isn’t that much better than complaining about fate?

Therefore, when faced with unfairness in the office, our attitude should be: calmly acknowledge it, adapt to it, and strive to change it. As a mature professional, you must always keep this in mind—transform your work with equanimity and initiative.

1. In the workplace, you cannot demand absolute fairness.

A textbook from Harvard Business School points out—if you want to become a successful professional, never complain about workplace unfairness.

First, you must endure mockery and bear humiliation.

On the long road of life, there are countless disappointments. Take a step back and the sea broadens before you. As long as you remember your ultimate purpose, you remain yourself. To endure others’ ridicule is a mark of magnanimity, and also a sign of true patience.

When faced with humiliation, keep moving forward. Don’t get entangled with them, nor take their words too seriously. You may suffer temporary disgrace, but time will prove your talent and achievements, and reveal your character. In the end, those who once humiliated you will be the ones truly ashamed.

In fact, every circumstance in life is a lesson for us. Some people can endure adversity, but may not be able to handle success. The attitude with which one faces their environment depends on how well they have mastered the art of 'patience under insult.'

In Buddhist scriptures, the meaning of 'patience under insult' is rich and profound. One must endure setbacks and blows, but also success and joy; endure adversity, but also prosperity. However, to 'endure' does not mean passive acceptance, but rather actively transforming and transcending circumstances, turning them into opportunities for learning and growth. Most people, when wronged or frustrated, feel indignant. Yet, because resentment lingers, suffering shadows them and cannot be shaken off. If you use adversity to strengthen your character, even viewing those who challenge you as 'Bodhisattvas' sent to refine you, and thank them for the chance to improve yourself, resentment will fade and suffering will disappear.

Once, a gentleman went to his father-in-law’s house for a meal. During dinner, the two began discussing the construction of a highway. The gentleman insisted that the repeated delays were the fault of the relevant authorities, while his father-in-law disagreed, believing the highway should never have been built. Their debate grew increasingly heated. Eventually, the father-in-law shifted the argument to criticize 'young people for being selfish and lacking environmental awareness,' clearly targeting the gentleman.

Fearing that continued argument would harm their relationship, the gentleman gradually softened his tone and said gently, 'Perhaps our views will never align, but that’s okay. Maybe we’re both right, or maybe we’re both wrong—it’s hard to say.' His words not only gave himself a way out, but also offered the other side a graceful exit, preventing the conflict from escalating and affecting their bond. Imagine if the gentleman had acted on impulse and kept arguing—what would the outcome have been?

Sometimes, giving others 'face' is also giving yourself 'face.' In the vast sea of humanity, if we do not wish to be isolated, we must learn how to get along with others. I recall a sage once said that no matter how much one studies, nothing teaches as quickly, deeply, or lastingly as the experience of humiliation.

Humiliation teaches us to think, to experience things that smooth circumstances cannot provide. It also leads us to deeper engagement with reality and society, refining our thoughts and opening a broader path to success. The ability to learn from humiliation is an important factor in achieving great things.

When you strive to uphold the truth or to do better than others, you are likely to encounter malicious attacks from some people. We must be mentally prepared for this. While we cannot avoid such attacks, we can avoid letting them disturb our mindset.

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the former U.S. President, faced many attacks, yet she remained calm. She said: 'The only way to avoid criticism is to be a valuable and elegant piece of porcelain, standing gracefully on a shelf. As long as you believe something is right, do it—no matter what you do, someone will criticize you.'

Of course, we should welcome normal criticism, even if it is harsh or only one percent correct; but for purely malicious personal attacks, slander, or defamation, if we do not wish to be harmed by them, the only option is to ignore them. As Lu Xun said: 'The highest contempt is silence—not even turning your eyes toward it.'

Abraham Lincoln, the former U.S. President, once wrote about harsh criticism; later, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill hung this passage in his study. Lincoln wrote: 'If answering every attack takes much more time than studying, we may have to shut down. I do my best as I see fit, and I will continue until the end. If the outcome proves me right, there is no need to mind the opposition; if it proves me wrong, then even ten angels defending me would be in vain.'

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Tulong Tu of the Ming Dynasty wrote in 'Sayings from the Sala Pavilion': 'One must endure a thousand trials without retreat and withstand a hundred insults with firm patience, suffering no harm in the end, and earning great virtue. In moments of challenge, remain composed; at night, let your soul rest clear.' The essence is: in the process of striving, one must support oneself with strong will and endure all possible humiliations. Persist, and you will succeed. When facing hardship and insult, keep a calm and peaceful attitude. At night, let go of it all, and enjoy a refreshed state of mind.

When facing humiliation, the strategy of ancient Chinese sages was 'patience,' and more specifically, 'firm endurance'—using immense willpower to control emotions that threaten to erupt like a volcano, calming the mind, and focusing attention on more valuable matters. Regular practice of this self-control cultivates a wise way of dealing with the world and leads to what Tulong Tu called 'great virtue.'

Second, learn to handle problems with humor and wisdom.

Throughout history, many famous people have been mocked or humiliated, but instead of becoming angry, they skillfully resolved awkward situations with wisdom and even turned their critics into friends and partners.

There was a U.S. congressman from Illinois named Cannon. When he first took office, another congressman mocked him: 'This gentleman from Illinois probably still has oats in his pockets!'—implying he hadn’t shed his farmer’s background.

Though the mockery was embarrassing, Cannon did not get angry. Instead, he replied unhurriedly, 'Not only do I have oats in my pocket, but there’s also straw in my hair. We westerners can’t help but be a bit rustic, but our oats and straw produce the finest green shoots.'

Cannon’s companions suggested he confront the congressman, but Cannon said, 'Forget it! There’s no need to argue with someone like that.'

Cannon did not become angry when faced with humiliation. Instead, he adjusted his attitude and responded with wit, not only avoiding any loss but also showing his magnanimity. In fact, the two later became political allies, proving Cannon’s wisdom.

The great American scientist Benjamin Franklin had a similar story. In his youth, Franklin ran a small print shop in Philadelphia to make a living. For a time, he served as secretary of the Pennsylvania Assembly. Before his election, a legislator delivered a long speech against him, criticizing Franklin harshly. Faced with such an unexpected enemy, what should he do?

Let’s hear Franklin’s own account: 'Naturally, I was not pleased with this legislator’s opposition. However, he was a learned and cultivated gentleman, respected for his reputation and talent in the Assembly. Still, I would never stoop to flattery just to win his sympathy or favor. Instead, after a few days, I used a suitable method.'

I learned from a friend that he had several rare and valuable books in his library, so I wrote him a brief note explaining that I wished to read them and hoped he would kindly lend them to me for a few days. Upon receiving my letter, he immediately sent the books. About a week later, I returned them along with a heartfelt note of thanks. Previously, he had never spoken to me, but after lending the books, the next time we met in the Assembly, he approached me, shook my hand, and spoke very kindly. He told me he was happy to help me in any way, and from then on we became close friends, maintaining a good relationship ever since.

See? Learning to handle matters with humor and wisdom can yield unexpected results.

Some people cannot tolerate even the slightest criticism, correction, or advice from others—they become extremely upset, and may even overreact. In fact, we can respond to criticism with equanimity, listening calmly even if the other person is somewhat biased, and handling it coolly. Losing your temper only makes things worse.