Ecosystem（81）

In Chinese culture, there’s a saying about tipping:
If you’re in a core position within an ecosystem, you should be a little more generous — that means you can give tips. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.

What does it mean to be the “core” of an ecosystem?
We designed an ecosystem made up of bees, fish, and a lotus flower to explain this idea.
The lotus is at the center of this ecosystem.
If the lotus is stingy and doesn’t spread its leaves wide, the fish will lose their shade.
If the lotus is stingy and doesn’t bloom fully, the bees will lose their source of nectar.

The lotus can cut costs in other ways, but it shouldn’t be too tight-fisted toward those who depend on it.
What it saves in these areas is very little, but being generous brings much more joy to the fish and bees that rely on it.

So, in situations where you're at the center of things like the lotus in “ecosystem,” then it’s good to give tips. Otherwise, don't worry about it.