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Why do we encounter people who seem to look down on us or treat us unfairly? And why do we sometimes feel frustrated when our work requires us to smile and remain pleasant, even when we don't feel that way?

In this episode, a car salesperson asks Seuseungnim how to handle situations in which someone who appears to be in a subordinate position behaves as though they have the upper hand. The questioner also struggles with the expectation of always smiling at customers, sometimes feeling that doing so is hypocritical.

Seuseungnim offers a direct and unexpected answer: “That person behaves as a dominant one because they have the upper hand!”

He explains that our understanding of our position may not match the reality of the situation. Simply believing that we hold a higher position does not make it so. If we misunderstand our circumstances and behave as though we have authority that we do not actually possess, we may create unnecessary difficulties for ourselves.

Seuseungnim then addresses the question of smiling at customers. He explains that a salesperson is in a position where they must serve customers and earn their business. Smiling is part of fulfilling that responsibility. Feeling that a required smile is hypocritical reveals that we are already complaining within ourselves.

But his teaching goes much deeper than workplace etiquette.

Seuseungnim explains that our workplace is an environment given to us for learning and growth. The people we encounter—customers, coworkers, supervisors, business owners, and even those who make our work difficult—are all part of that learning process.

A salesperson meets many different people and experiences a wide variety of situations. These encounters are not merely obstacles to overcome. They are opportunities to develop understanding, improve our abilities, and gain the strength needed for greater responsibilities.

He emphasizes that complaining prevents us from learning. When we resist our circumstances, criticize others, or constantly feel dissatisfied, we spend our energy fighting the very environment that provides our study material.

Instead, Seuseungnim teaches us to accept our present position, observe carefully, and learn from everything we experience. If we genuinely cannot accept our work, we should leave rather than remain and continue complaining.

As we change our attitude, our understanding of society begins to change as well. Situations that once made us angry can become opportunities to develop patience, discernment, and inner strength.

Ultimately, this episode reminds us that the difficulties we encounter are not separate from our growth. They are the very material through which we are meant to study and develop ourselves.

The next time someone makes your work difficult, consider asking yourself: “Am I fighting against this situation, or am I learning what it has come to teach me?”

Real questions. Deeper understanding. Wisdom for life.