The Illusion of Social Media and Buddhism: How the "Virtual Lives" of YouTubers and TikTokers Inspire Modern Spiritual Practice?

The Illusion of Social Media and Buddhism: How the "Virtual Lives" of YouTubers and TikTokers Inspire Modern Spiritual Practice?

On platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, we encounter meticulously edited "perfect" videos every day: luxury cars, high-end watches, lavish homes, ideal physiques, and outrageous entertainment. Both creators and viewers know that these often do not represent the entirety of their real lives.

Yet, despite knowing this, we are still moved by these images: envying others for living "better" and doubting our own worth; experiencing emotional highs and lows. This is a modern manifestation of what Buddhism refers to as "perverted thoughts."

🔹 How Does Buddhism View "Illusion"?

The Buddha said in the "Diamond Sutra": "All conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow; like dew or lightning, one should contemplate them in this way."

"Conditioned phenomena" refer to all phenomena that arise from conditions, including social media videos, influencer personas, and even our own reputation and status; 

"Like a dream, an illusion, a bubble" describes these phenomena as existing but lacking a fixed, unchanging essence, as transient and easily dissipated as dreams, shadows, or morning dew.

If one is unaware of the illusion and clings to appearances, it leads to increased afflictions; if one understands the illusion, they can let go and maintain a peaceful mind.

🔹 Social Media Videos as the Best Teaching Material for Illusion

The "scripted lives" in YouTube/TikTok videos are a concrete representation of what Buddhism calls "illusion";

Modern technology makes illusions more enticing than in ancient times: high-definition visuals, AI effects, virtual filters provide an almost lifelike experience;

The valuable aspect is that modern individuals possess the common sense to "know this is fake," which allows for a better understanding of the Buddhist concept of "illusion."

🔹 Modern Buddhist Practice Tips

Know the illusion, do not cling to the truth: Remind yourself while watching videos that "it's just edited," and view it as you would a movie, without getting involved.

Mindful observation: When feelings of envy, anxiety, or comparison arise, immediately recognize "I am being influenced by these images."

Cherish reality: No video, no matter how beautiful, can replace your current breath, feelings, and efforts; practice returning to the present.

Experience impermanence: How long can a viral video keep an influencer famous—days, months? Impermanence cannot be eternal; return to a state of equanimity.

Stay away from perversion: Buddhism teaches "do not see any phenomenon as permanent," helping us reduce greed, anger, and ignorance arising from attachment to illusions.

Cultivate kindness: In the face of influencers' flashiness or exaggeration, maintain goodwill: "May they be safe and happy, free from the suffering of fame and fortune."

Be content and grateful: Recognize your own conditions and blessings rather than only seeing the "better" in others' videos.

Avoid excessive comparison: If your heart is stable, you can be happy and at ease even without luxury cars or high-end watches.

Maintain wisdom: Distinguish between truth and falsehood, reality and illusion on social media, and avoid being easily brainwashed or following trends.

Stay grounded in your thoughts: Regardless of what extravagant content you see, return to your inner peace and brightness.

Use the illusion to cultivate the truth: Understanding the impermanence of illusions reminds you of the importance of practice, accumulating genuine blessings.

Aspire to benefit others: Share Buddhist perspectives to help others affected by illusions find balance.

🪷 Conclusion

In the age of social media, "illusion" is more pronounced than ever. Buddhism not only reminds us that "all is like a dream, an illusion," but also provides wisdom on how to face these illusions: not by rejecting or escaping, but by seeing clearly, being aware of the present, and cherishing reality.

Moving from "seeing through illusions" to "letting go of attachments" is the best spiritual practice for modern individuals facing the world of YouTube and TikTok.

社群假象與佛法：YouTuber、TikTok的「虛擬人生」如何成為現代人修行的啟發？

在YouTube、TikTok、IG等平台上，我們每天都能看到精心剪輯的「完美」影片：名車、名錶、豪宅、完美體態、瘋狂的娛樂。製作者與觀眾都心知肚明，那往往不是他們真實生活的全部。

然而，明知不真，我們卻還是會被這些影像觸動：羨慕別人過得「更好」、懷疑自己「不夠好」；心情起伏、情緒波動。這正是佛教中所說「顛倒妄想」的現代化體現。

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🔹 佛法如何看「假象」？

佛陀在《金剛經》說：「一切有為法，如夢幻泡影，如露亦如電，應作如是觀。」
「有為法」指一切條件和合而成的現象，包括社群影片、網紅形象、甚至我們自己的名聲地位；
「如夢幻泡影」形容這些現象雖存在，但沒有固定不變的實體，如夢、如影、如晨露般短暫易散。
若「不知幻」就執著於表象，讓煩惱增生；若「知幻」就能放下，保持心的自在。

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🔹 社群影片是假象的最佳教材

• YouTube/TikTok影片中的「劇本人生」，恰如佛教所言「幻境」的具象呈現；

• 當下科技，讓幻象比古代更具誘惑力：高清影像、AI特效、虛擬濾鏡，帶給人幾可亂真的體驗；

• 可貴的是，現代人已具備「知道這是假的」的常識，反而更能讓人明白佛法的「如幻」觀念。

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🔹 現代佛法的修行提示

1. 知幻不執真：看影片時提醒自己「只是剪輯」，像看電影般輕鬆，不必帶入。

2. 正念觀照：當心生羨慕、焦慮、比較，立刻覺察「我正在被影像牽動」。

3. 珍惜現實：影片再美也無法取代自己當下的呼吸、感受和努力，練習回到當下。

4. 體會無常：一個爆紅影片能幫網紅紅幾天、幾月？無常無法永恆，回歸平常心。

5. 遠離顛倒：佛法教「不見一法常住」，讓我們減少因執著假象而生的貪嗔癡。

6. 培養慈心：面對網紅的浮華或誇張，也能心懷善意：「願他們平安快樂，不受名利所苦。」

7. 知足感恩：認清自己已有的條件與福報，而非只看別人影片裡的「更好」。

8. 不貪多比較：心若安穩，即使沒有豪車名錶，也能快樂自在。

9. 保持智慧：分辨社群上的真與假、虛與實，不輕易被洗腦或跟風。

10. 安住心念：無論看到什麼浮誇內容，都能回到內心的寧靜與明亮。

11. 以幻修真：看懂假象的無常，更提醒自己修行的重要，累積真實福報。

12. 發心利益他人：分享佛法觀點，幫助其他被假象影響的人找到平衡。

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🪷 總結

在社群時代，「假象」比任何時代都鮮明。佛法不只提醒我們「如夢幻泡影」，更提供如何面對幻象的智慧：不是排斥或逃避，而是清楚看見、覺知當下、珍惜現實。

從「看穿假象」到「放下執著」，是現代人面對YouTube、TikTok世界的最佳修行課題。

Serious "Nonsense"

A Serious "Nonsense"

List of 20 seemingly serious yet unsubstantiated phrases.

"Based on profound insights from historical experience, we find that any attempt to innovate beyond the existing framework inherently carries potential risks that could undermine stability." (In reality, this is an excuse for stagnation and resistance to change.)

"Although the data has not fully supported our conclusions, from a macro perspective, the far-reaching impacts of this policy will gradually reveal its irreversible superiority over the next few decades." (In reality, this is empty talk lacking empirical support.)

"The public's fervent discussion of this matter precisely proves its complexity at the ideological level, rather than a simple question of right or wrong." (In reality, this complicates a simple issue to avoid a direct response.)

"We must acknowledge that certain seemingly harmless statements may carry unquantifiable emotional tensions behind them, which is the real cause for concern." (In reality, this expands the interpretation of speech "harm," providing a justification for suppressing dissenting opinions.)

"From a philosophical standpoint, if a country cannot ensure the spiritual purity of its citizens, then the advancement of its material civilization is merely a shell." (In reality, this elevates abstract concepts infinitely to pave the way for ideological control.)

"The brilliance of this plan lies in its perfect balance of multiple interests, to the extent that no party feels completely satisfied, which is the hallmark of its success." (In reality, this is a mediocre plan that leaves everyone dissatisfied, yet is glorified as "balance.")

"Our goal is to achieve dynamic stability, which means maintaining a continuous balance in a constantly changing environment, rather than a rigid stagnation." (In reality, this lacks specific goals and merely emphasizes the contradictory rhetoric of "change" and "constancy.")

"For those individuals who fail to fully grasp the deeper meaning of the policy, we will intensify our interpretive efforts until their thought processes align with mainstream trends." (In reality, this is forced indoctrination, demanding ideological conformity.)

"Due to the uniqueness and complexity of the situation, we have decided to adopt a non-typical response strategy, the core of which is to obscure the strategy itself to achieve strategic clarity." (In reality, this means lacking a clear strategy or having a strategy that cannot be disclosed.)

"Any attempt to simplify this issue into a binary opposition fails to touch on its inherent, deeper contradictions beyond the surface." (In reality, this avoids answering the question directly, pushing it into a more complex philosophical realm.)

"Our actions are not based on direct evidence but stem from predictions of potential trends, which are of overwhelming importance strategically." (In reality, this signifies action taken without evidence, treating "predictions" as the highest guiding principle.)

"Although the process is full of challenges, we firmly believe that true truths often lie in those dimensions that are most difficult to grasp, requiring extraordinary wisdom to comprehend." (In reality, this is mystification, making simple issues seem mysterious.)

"The fundamental purpose of this reform is not merely to enhance efficiency but to fundamentally reshape the dialectical relationship between the individual and the collective at a deeper level." (In reality, this elevates a simple administrative reform to an abstract philosophical level.)

"Those who question our motives expose their own cognitive biases, failing to examine the issue from a higher dimension." (In reality, this attacks the questioners, avoiding an explanation of one's own motives.)

"What we pursue is not absolute fairness, but a dynamic, progressive relative justice, which better aligns with the objective laws of social development." (In reality, this is an excuse for unfairness, using "relative" as a reason to evade responsibility.)

"The significance of this action lies not in its direct material returns but in its intangible enhancement of social cohesion, which cannot be measured by economic indicators." (In reality, this has no substantial benefits or effects, yet wraps itself in the intangible "spiritual value.")

"To ensure long-term sustainability, we sometimes must adopt measures that may seem unreasonable in the short term; this is a strategic sacrifice rooted in foresight." (In reality, this refers to actions that are unreasonable or have negative impacts in the short term, yet is glorified as a "strategic sacrifice.")

"The implementation of this plan will largely activate dormant social potential, although its specific mechanisms are still in an exploratory phase." (In reality, this means the plan lacks clear implementation details and operability, merely painting a grand vision.)

"In the complex international situation, it is necessary for us to maintain a strategic ambiguity, which itself is a powerful deterrent." (In reality, this means lacking a clear stance or avoiding responsibility.)

"Ultimately, the resolution of all issues will come down to a higher level of consciousness awakening, rather than mere technical or institutional adjustments." (In reality, this pushes problems into the nebulous "spiritual" realm, avoiding practical solutions.)

一本正經地「胡說八道」

一本正經地「胡說八道」

列出20個看似嚴肅卻經不起推敲的話術。

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1. 「基於歷史經驗的深刻洞察，我們發現，任何試圖超越現有框架的創新，其本質上都蘊含著顛覆穩定的潛在風險。」 (實則為裹足不前、抗拒變革的藉口)

2. 「雖然數據尚未完全支持我們的論斷，但從宏觀視角看，這項政策的深遠影響將在未來數十年內逐漸顯現其不可逆轉的優越性。」 (實則為缺乏實證支持的空談)

3. 「公眾對於此事的熱烈討論，恰恰證明了其在社會意識形態層面的複雜性，而非其簡單的對錯問題。」 (實則為將簡單問題複雜化，迴避正面回應)

4. 「我們必須承認，某些看似無害的言論，其背後卻可能承載著難以量化的情緒張力，這才是真正值得警惕之處。」 (實則為擴大解釋言論的「危害」，為壓制不同意見找理由)

5. 「從哲學高度審視，一個國家若不能確保其國民在心靈層面的純潔性，則其物質文明的進步亦屬空殼。」 (實則為將抽象概念無限上綱，為意識形態控制鋪路)

6. 「此方案的精妙之處在於，它完美地平衡了多方利益，以至於沒有任何一方感到完全滿意，這正是其成功的標誌。」 (實則為各方都不滿意的平庸方案，卻美其名曰「平衡」)

7. 「我們的目標是實現動態的穩定性，這意味著在不斷變化的環境中，我們要保持一種持續的平衡，而非僵化的停滯。」 (實則為沒有具體目標，只是不斷強調「變」與「不變」的矛盾修辭)

8. 「對於那些未能充分理解政策深意的個體，我們將加大解讀力度，直至其思維路徑與主流趨勢達成高度共識。」 (實則為強制灌輸，要求思想統一)

9. 「由於情況的特殊性與複雜性，我們決定採取一種非典型的應對策略，其核心在於模糊策略本身，以達到戰略上的清晰。」 (實則為沒有明確策略，或策略不可告人)

10. 「任何試圖將此問題簡化為二元對立的觀點，都未能觸及其內在的、超越表象的本質矛盾。」 (實則為避免正面回答問題，將其推向更複雜的哲學層面)

11. 「我們的行動並非基於直接證據，而是源於對潛在趨勢的預判，這種預判在戰略上具有壓倒一切的重要性。」 (實則為缺乏證據卻執意行動，將「預判」視為最高指導原則)

12. 「雖然過程充滿挑戰，但我們堅信，真正的真理往往蘊藏在那些最難以觸及的維度之中，需要非凡的智慧才能領悟。」 (實則為故弄玄虛，將簡單問題神秘化)

13. 「這項改革的根本目的，並非單純為了效率提升，更是為了在深層次上重塑個體與集體之間的辯證關係。」 (實則為將簡單的行政改革無限拔高到哲學層面)

14. 「那些質疑我們動機的人，恰恰暴露了他們自身思維定勢的局限性，未能從更高的維度審視問題。」 (實則為攻擊質疑者，迴避對自身動機的解釋)

15. 「我們所追求的並非絕對的公平，而是一種動態的、與時俱進的相對正義，這更符合社會發展的客觀規律。」 (實則為為不公平找藉口，將「相對」作為推卸責任的理由)

16. 「此舉的意義不在於其直接的物質回報，而在於其對全社會凝聚力的無形增強，這種增強是無法用經濟指標衡量的。」 (實則為沒有實質利益或效益，卻用虛無的「精神價值」來包裝)

17. 「為了確保長期的可持續性，我們有時必須採取一些短期內看似不合理的措施，這是一種深謀遠慮的戰略犧牲。」 (實則為短期內行為不合理或有負面影響，卻美其名曰「戰略犧牲」)

18. 「該方案的實施，將在很大程度上激活沉睡的社會潛能，儘管其具體機制目前仍處於探索性階段。」 (實則為方案缺乏明確的實施細節和操作性，只是畫大餅)

19. 「在複雜的國際形勢下，我們有必要保持一種戰略上的模糊性，這本身就是一種強大的威懾力量。」 (實則為沒有明確立場，或避免承擔責任)

20. 「最終，所有問題的解決都將歸結於一種更高層次的意識覺醒，而非單純的技術或制度層面的調整。」 (實則為將問題推向虛無縹緲的「精神」層面，迴避實際的解決方案)

A Spiritual Financial Guide for Modern Office Workers

 🌿 From Buddhist Scriptures and "The Psychology of Money": A Spiritual Financial Guide for Modern Office Workers

In the rapidly changing modern society, many people are busy working during the day and thinking about financial management at night, yet their minds are often troubled by fear, anxiety, and envy. Bestselling author Morgan Housel reminds us in "The Psychology of Money" and "Same As Ever" that what truly determines financial and life outcomes is "mindset" rather than "skills"; these truths were already revealed in Buddhist teachings over two thousand years ago.

Here are three concepts, combined with Buddhist wisdom, for those striving in the modern workplace:

1️⃣ Accept Impermanence: Change is the Only Constant

Morgan reminds us: "The greatest risks often come from places you cannot see." The Buddha said in the "Diamond Sutra": "All conditioned phenomena are like a dream, a phantom, a bubble, a shadow; they are like dew and lightning. Thus should one meditate upon them.

"This means that the affairs of the world are impermanent, fleeting like dreams, bubbles, and morning dew. If you are always attached to the idea of "I want a stable job and investments that never decline," when reality shifts, your heart will suffer.

    ✅ Practical Advice: Learn to face impermanence, adding flexibility to your work and financial planning, rather than expecting a sense of security that comes from "one-time efforts."

2️⃣ Desire Less and Be Content: Long-term Stability is More Important than Short-term Gains

Morgan states: "Wealth is not about how much you earn, but how much you can keep." The Buddha taught in the "Amitabha Sutra" that beings in the Pure Land "only receive pleasure," because they are not greedy and understand contentment, allowing them to dwell in happiness.

The "Heart Sutra" further points out: "With a mind free of attachments, there is no attachment; without attachment, there is no fear." — When you reduce your attachment to fame and fortune, you lessen your fear, enabling you to make long-term correct choices.

    ✅ Practical Advice: Cultivate the mindset of "I have enough" instead of chasing unnecessary comparisons, as this brings more inner security than a short-term high salary.

3️⃣ Stable Mindset: Disturbances Come from Within, Not from External Circumstances

The "Amitabha Sutra" describes the environment of the Pure Land: "A gentle breeze stirs the jeweled trees, producing subtle sounds; those who hear these sounds naturally arise with thoughts of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha." This state of mind is not determined by external conditions but arises from inner clarity and focus.

Morgan also believes that the success or failure of financial management is often not a matter of knowledge but a "behavioral issue" of overcoming greed and fear. Buddhism emphasizes: "If one wishes to understand all Buddhas of the three times, one should contemplate the nature of the Dharma realm; all is made by the mind." When your mind is at peace, the world is at peace.

    ✅ Practical Advice: Set aside 5-10 minutes each day for quiet sitting or deep breathing to let your thoughts settle. By training your focus and calmness over time, you can better manage emotions when facing market fluctuations or workplace pressures.

🍃 Conclusion: A Stable Mind Leads to a Stable Life

In modern society, external changes are rapid and full of temptations. Without a stable heart, it is easy to fall into endless anxiety and comparison. Buddhism teaches us:

Accept impermanence to not fear change;

Desire less and be content to accumulate true wealth and blessings;

Maintain a stable mindset to walk a long path.  

Wishing you the ability to find inner abundance and ease through the wisdom of Buddhism amidst your busy work and life.

給現代上班族的心靈理財指南

🌿 從佛經與《The Psychology of Money》看：給現代上班族的心靈理財指南

在瞬息萬變的現代社會裡，許多人白天忙著工作、晚上想著理財，但心裡卻常被恐懼、焦躁、羨慕所困。美國暢銷書作者摩根・豪瑟（Morgan Housel）在《The Psychology of Money》和《一如既往》中提醒我們：真正決定財務與人生結果的，是「心態」而非「技巧」；而這些道理，佛經兩千多年前早已開示。

以下三個觀念，結合佛法智慧，送給在現代職場努力打拼的你：

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1️⃣ 接受無常：變化是唯一不變

摩根提醒：「最大的風險往往來自你看不到的地方。」佛陀在《金剛經》中說：「一切有為法，如夢幻泡影，如露亦如電，應作如是觀。」
意思是世事變化無常，就像夢境、水泡、晨露一樣短暫易逝。若你總是執著「我要穩定不變的工作、永遠不跌的投資」，一旦現實翻轉，心就會痛苦。
✅ 實踐建議：學會面對無常，為自己的工作與財務規劃多一點彈性，而非期待「一勞永逸」的安全感。

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2️⃣ 少欲知足：長久穩定比短期爆發重要

Morgan 說：「財富不是你賺多少，而是你能留下多少。」佛在《阿彌陀經》中開示，極樂世界的眾生「但受諸樂」，因為他們沒有貪心、懂得知足，才能安住快樂。
《心經》更指出：「心無罣礙，無罣礙故，無有恐怖。」— 當你少一分對名利的執著，就少一分恐懼，才能做出長期正確的選擇。
✅ 實踐建議：培養「我已經夠好了」的心態，而非追逐不必要的攀比，這比短期高薪更能帶來內心的安全感。

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3️⃣ 穩定心態：煩惱來自心，不是外境

在《阿彌陀經》中描述極樂世界的環境：「微風吹動寶樹出微妙音，聞是音者皆自然生起念佛念法念僧之心」，這種心境的穩定不是外在條件，而是從內心生起的清明專注。
Morgan 也認為，理財成敗往往不是知識問題，而是能否克服貪婪與恐懼的「行為問題」。佛法強調「若人欲了知，三世一切佛，應觀法界性，一切唯心造」：你心安，世界就安。
✅ 實踐建議：每天留給自己5-10分鐘靜坐或深呼吸，讓思緒沉澱，長期鍛鍊專注和平靜，面對市場波動或職場壓力時，就能不易被情緒牽著走。

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🍃 總結：讓心安穩，人生才穩定

在現代社會，外在變化快速又充滿誘惑，如果沒有能安住的心，容易陷入無盡的焦慮與比較。佛法告訴我們：

• 接受無常，才能不恐懼改變；

• 少欲知足，才能累積真正的財富與福報；

• 穩定心態，才能走長遠的路。

祝你在繁忙的工作與人生中，也能用佛法智慧找到內心的富足與自在。

論「不友善舉止」校規：日常顯見之法律謬誤

 

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論「不友善舉止」校規：日常顯見之法律謬誤

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昔小漁村有學子，名曰阿力，受命為班級草擬新規。阿力遂議如下：

阿力所議之規：

「課堂之中，凡有『不友善舉止』者，一概禁絕。『不友善舉止』者，校規未有明載，然其狀若惡氣也。察之，或面色異樣相向，或背後竊竊私語，或常使他人心生不適。此舉縱不觸現行之條文，然於課堂之境，亦能貽害，故不可不察。」

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今吾等析其謬，以淺顯日常之事，使非法律之士亦能一目了然：

以阿力之規解其謬：

一、「不友善舉止者，校規未有明載，然其狀若惡氣也。」

* 其弊端： 此乃「法無明文者不為罪 Nulla Poena Sine Lege」之謬也。若「不友善舉止」無有明訓，眾學子安能識其所指？輕敲鉛筆為「不友善」乎？呵欠連連亦「不友善」乎？規矩不明，則師長可隨心所欲而斷，學子無所適從，欲守其規而不可得也。

二、「察之，或面色異樣相向，或背後竊竊私語，或常使他人心生不適。」

* 其弊端： 此乃「規範不明 Vagueness Doctrine」之謬也。何謂「面色異樣」？甲以為異，乙以為常。人言「背後竊語」，安能證其心之所向？而「使他人心生不適」者，更是主觀之至——一戲或令甲笑，或令乙不適。此等準繩，其義模糊，可隨意廣泛適用，亦可不適用，全憑人主觀判斷耳。

三、「此舉縱不觸現行之條文，然於課堂之境，亦能貽害，故不可不察。」

* 其弊端： 此乃「有損無犯 Harmful but not Illegal paradox」之悖論也。若無明文禁止，何以謂之「不可不察」？此意謂師長縱無憑據，亦可懲戒，或降其評，或處以留校。譬如言曰：「汝雖未犯規，然吾不悅汝行，故仍罰之。」此舉壞公平與預見性。若法無明文，何來刑罰？

四、設若阿力亦云：「吾此『不友善舉止』新規，與課室之髒亂或無趣，並無直接關聯。諸般問題，皆源自課室之外也！」

* 其弊端： 此乃「事實本身即為證明 Res Ipsa Loquitur」之謬誤反向應用，亦即規避責任。若課室氛圍不佳，然師長執意曰：非吾教導之過，亦非吾管理之失，純粹因「外來之故」（譬如走廊喧囂），則師長不願自省其在問題中可能之角色。此乃避責之辭，欲歸咎於「惡氣」，而非解決實質之弊也。

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何以其謬顯而易見，凡夫俗子亦能洞察：

• 孩童亦解： 稚子聞此，必曰：「此非公允！若不告我『不友善舉止』為何，吾安能知之？」

• 公平闕如： 眾人皆知，規章須明，方能使人知何為可為，何為不可為。

• 權力濫用： 若規矩不明，則師長可隨心所欲，任意裁斷誰為「不友善」，導致偏私或無故懲戒。

• 安全不保： 苟能因非罪之行而受罰，則人無安穩之感。

此「不友善舉止」之例，正與小漁村之論如出一轍，昭示規章不明、判斷主觀、以及無法律依據之干預，如何破壞任何體制——無論課堂抑或社會——之公平與預見性也。