Tales of Old Japan - Maybe You Like It

Old and young, men and women, rich and poor, never cease
grumbling from morning till night. All this is the result of a diseased
heart. In short, for the sake of a very trifling inclination or selfish pursuit,
they will do any wrong in order to effect that which is impossible. This is
want of judgment, and this brings all sorts of trouble upon the world. If
once you gain possession of a perfect heart, knowing that which is impossible
to be impossible, and recognizing that that which is difficult is
difficult, you will not attempt to spare yourself trouble unduly. What
says the Chin-Yo? 114 The wise man, whether his lot be cast amongst rich
or poor, amongst barbarians or in sorrow, understands his position by
his own instinct. If men do not understand this, they think that the
causes of pain and pleasure are in the body. Putting the heart on one
side, they earnestly strive after the comforts of the body, and launch into
extravagance, the end of which is miserly parsimony. Instead of pleasure
they meet with grief of the heart, and pass their lives in weeping and
wailing. In one way or another, everything in this world depends upon
the heart. I implore every one of you to take heed that tears fall not to
your lot.
114.The second book of Confucius.
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