人生是一个惩罚

　　It is inherent in some religions, which suggest a punishing "purification" through life as a means to some great reward afterward。

　　这个比喻来源于某些宗教，它们认为人生就是通过惩罚性的“净化”以在死后通达更高的境界。

　　Life Is An Opportunity

　　人生是一次机遇

　　The perspective this creates is one that encourages actions and going after your dreams and goals。

　　这个比喻鼓励我们积极采取行动，追逐梦想和目标。

　　Life Is A Waiting Room

　　人生是一间等候室

　　It is hard to imagine a more passive perspective: we wait for "our ship to come in," for example, or say, "my time will come." We wait to hear "opportunity knocking," or "my turn." Of course, none of these ideas encourage us to take action to make things happen。

　　或许没有比这个比喻更消极的了：如果我们总是等待救生筏，等待时机的到来，等待机遇来敲门……当然，也就不会主动采取行动了。