62 Small Excess mountain below, thunder above
It is beneficial to be correct. It is all right for small matters, not for great matters.
When true leaders establish measures and consider virtuous conduct, they make as regular as the four seasons, so that even ignorant people trust them.
But it is essential to be correct. When one is correct, small excess then becomes no excess. If one is not correct, then small excess turns into great excess. ... to be correct, which means to act in accord with the time.
People have two qualities, firmness and flexibility. If they are in charge of great matters, it is appropriate to use firmness. In dealing with small matters, it is appropriate to use flexibility.
Deference is a remedy for arrogance; pity is a remedy for disregard; abstemiousness is a remedy for extravagance. The remedy uses excess to make up for lack, seeking only to attain equilibrium.
All the birds have left; leaving the group and rising alone, one eventually dies. ... When ancient tyrants lost their countries, this was also simply, because they tried to go higher when they should have lowered themselves.
Idem
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário