bad man is the material upon which the good man works. If the one does not value his teacher, if the other does not love his material, then despite their sagacity they must go far astray. This is a mystery of great import.
As unwrought material is divided up and made into serviceable vessels, so the Sage turns his simplicity[1] to account, and thereby becomes the ruler of rulers.
The course of things is such that what was in front is now behind; what was hot is now cold; what was strong is now weak; what was complete is now in ruin. Therefore the Sage avoids excess, extravagance, and grandeur.
Which is nearer to you, fame or life? Which is more to you, life or wealth? Which is the greater malady, gain or loss?
Excessive ambitions necessarily entail great sacrifice. Much hoarding must be followed by heavy loss. He who knows when he has enough will not be put to shame. He who knows when to stop will not come to harm. Such a man can look forward to long life.
There is no sin greater than ambition; no calamity greater than discontent; no vice more sickening than covetousness. He who is content always has enough.
Do not wish to be rare like jade, or common like stone.
The Sage has no hard and fast ideas, but he shares the ideas of the people and makes them his own. Living in the world, he is apprehensive
- ↑ There is a play on the word p‘u, simplicity, the original meaning of which is "unwrought material"
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