'I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying.' That's a famous quote by basketball superstar Michael Jordan. On the other hand, proverbs in different languages seem to say something different. In English we say, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' In Chinese we say, 'Planning is with man, accomplishing with Heaven.' And in Arabic we say, 'You want what you want and he wants what he wants, but God does what He wants."

Do those proverbs contradict Jordan's famous quote? Maybe not. While we cannot claim supremacy over the divine powers, we can and we should at least try our best, so that we will not regret not trying at all.

On the last day of 2024, let's keep trying and embrace the new year with determination and hope.