Problems=Opportunities

1. How to stay out of trouble: Keep yourself or your people occupied

In order to make himslef more favourable to the Southern Chinese scholars who were still somewhat loyal to the previous Ming dysnasty, Emperor Kongxi of the Qing dynasty asked the Southern Chinese scholars to compile various writings, literary works and support their scholarly endeavours.  Hence, the scholars were too busy to think of rebellions against the Emperor. At the same time, a significant amount of scholarly works were made during Emperor Kongxi’s time. 

Side-note: The Asian Civilization Museum at Empress Place is having an exhibition on Emperor Kongxi until 14th of June 2009. The 1-hour guided tour of the gallery gives more interesting stories and juicy details behind key gallery showcases.  

2. Take negative elements and turn them into something great.

Avril Lavigne hates doing interviews. She once said she channeled her annoyances having to do boring interviews  into writing her songs, some of which became hits and earned her millions of dollars. 

Some people see problems as opportunities to make something better.