Biologists have discovered that hundreds of millions of years ago, the cuttlefish (commonly known as squid) had a large, heavy shell on its back, just like clams in the sea, snails in rivers, and land-dwelling snails. Whenever it encountered a predator, it would hide its soft body inside this shell. While the shell provided protection, it also made the cuttlefish slow and cumbersome.
Over long-term evolution, the cuttlefish gradually improved its body structure, developing a remarkable outer membrane. The edge of this membrane remains open, allowing it to suck in seawater. When swimming, the cuttlefish fills this membrane with water, seals it tightly, and then uses cartilage to compress the membrane, forcing the water to jet out through a funnel at its head.
However, even with the powerful jet propulsion of its mantle, the cuttlefish remained slow and unable to travel far because it had to carry that heavy shell wherever it went.
Later, to better adapt to survival, the cuttlefish simply shed this "burden," gradually causing its shell to退化 (regress) and its mantle to evolve into a membrane as thin as cellophane.
After hundreds of millions of years of evolution, a small cuttlefish can now move forward rapidly in the ocean, reaching speeds of over 150 meters per second—faster than many small motorboats. Thus, people have given the cuttlefish a fascinating nickname: the "natural rocket" of the sea.
As the philosopher said: "When faced with two disadvantages, choose the lesser; when weighing two advantages, take the greater."
Indeed, in life, everyone carries too many responsibilities and desires. If we discard them all, life would become meaningless; yet if we refuse to let go of anything, we will become overwhelmed.
At such times, the act of letting go becomes a particularly important wisdom.
Shedding the "shell" of life is not only an act of courage, but also a flash of wisdom.