Saturday, December 8, 2012

Bit by Bit - Chapter 4, Part 15

Trey Smith


"When men get together to pit their strength in games of skill, they start off in a light and friendly mood, but usually end up in a dark and angry one, and if they go on too long they start resorting to various underhanded tricks. When men meet at some ceremony to drink, they start off in an orderly manner, but usually end up in disorder, and if they go on too long they start indulging in various irregular amusements. It is the same with all things. What starts out being sincere usually ends up being deceitful. What was simple in the beginning acquires monstrous proportions in the end.
~ Burton Watson translation ~
In our society, it often is said that competition brings out the best in people. While this may be true, at times, it is just as true to say that it brings out the worst in people too.

To view the Index page for this series, go here.

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