Wen Tzu - Verse 145

from Verse One Hundred Forty-Five

Without aloofness and detachment, there is no way to clarify virtue; without stability and calm, there is no way to get far. Without breadth and magnanimity, there is no way to encompass all; without rectitude and fairness, there is no way to determine judgments.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

For me, this passage underscores the prime reason the middle path -- the one that avoids extremes -- is the most vital. When we tilt too far in one direction or the other, we lose balance and, when balance is lost, it becomes that much easier to tumble.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.