#44*

Fame or life:
Which is dearer?

Life or fortune:
Which is most valuable?

Gain or loss:
Which is more harmful? 

Hence, excessive love
Is bound to great cost.
Too many possessions
Is bound to great loss.

Knowing satisfaction[1]
Avoid humiliation.

Knowing when to stop,
Keep away danger.

Thus, forever safe.

*Translation by LU Wenlong & Keith Wayne Brown, ©2013.


[1] Temperance, moderation, “enough is enough”

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