Unused Medicines are the Best Medicines

Xuefeng

Prepare for a rainy day and prevent problems before they arise. Many of us keep basic and emergency medicines at home—those for colds and fevers, injuries and bruises, pain relief, calming, digestive issues, and liver relief. Over time, these medicines accumulate in drawers. Some have been used only a little, while others remain unopened. Every now and then, I find myself staring at expired medicines and wondering: which of them was truly the most valuable?

Medicines are meant to preserve health and deal with emergencies. If a medicine is used, it means the body has faced some issue. If a medicine remains untouched, it signifies the body stayed healthy and free from any acute illness. In this light, even though some medicines have expired unused, the fact that they were never needed is the best outcome. A hunter venturing into the wild might carry something like Yunnan Baiyao in case of an animal bite, but in his heart, the hunter hopes he’ll never have to use it—because needing it would mean serious trouble.

The medicines that ultimately expire and are thrown away are the best medicines. Their value lies in the fact that the body never needed them.

This idea brings to mind friendship. Friends are an intangible wealth in life. When we face difficulties or emergencies, a true friend steps in at just the right moment. Having close friends brings a sense of calm and security—knowing they’re always by your side gives you strength. I take pride in my friendships, and whenever I tell others about my friends, I feel a deep sense of joy and pride. Friends are my source of pride.

But just as the best medicine is the one that was never used, the best friends are those who never had to help me. If a friend never needed to assist me throughout life, it shows that I was capable enough to handle my own problems. Not needing help from a friend over the course of a lifetime is a great honor.

I will keep some medicines in reserve, but I hope I never have to use them.

I will treasure friendships, but I hope I never have to rely on them.

Similarly, I wish to always be able to help others and benefit them, but I hope never to need others’ help myself. After all, experiencing loss is the greatest gain, while seeking advantage is the greatest loss. In this way, I can ensure my life has no deficits, and I will be able to leave this world peacefully, with a clear conscience.