Mencius said: "All men concur in despising a glutton, because he gives up everything that is valuable for the sake of pampering what is so contemptible." What man shall dare to oppose him whose words are consistent with reason, and whose actions are squared by the rule of rectitude? To the contented, even poverty and obscurity bring happiness, while to the ambitious, wealth and honors are productive of misery. As the light of a single star tinges the mountains of many regions, so a single unguarded expression injures the virtue of a whole life. The evidence of a single glance should not be. relied on as true, nor are words spoken behind a man's back deserving of much credence. Though a poor man should live in the midst of a noisy market, no one will ask about him; though a rich man should bury himself among the mountains, his relations will come to him from a distance. Knowledge is boundless, but the capacity of one man is limited. Plausible words are not so good as straightforward conduct; a man whose deeds are enlightened by virtue, need not be nice about his expressions. A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years' mere study of books. By a single day's practice of virtue, though happiness may not be attained, yet misery may be kept at a distance; by a single day of ill doing, happiness is prevented. No medicine can procure long life even to the ministers of the emperor; no money can purchase for any man a virtuous posterity. A single false move loses the game. Prudence will carry a man all over the world, but the impetuous find every step difficult. |