Bit by Bit - Chapter 25, Part 17

Trey Smith

Po Ch'ang-ch'ien said, "Duke Ling had three wives with whom he would bathe in the same tub. But when Shih Ch'iu appeared in his presence to offer a gift of cloth, the duke would accept it in person and respectfully attend Shih Ch'iu. He was so depraved as to bathe with his wives, and yet so correct in his behavior before a worthy man - this is why he was titled Duke Ling."
~ Burton Watson translation ~

In terms of morality, the worst amongst us can commit exemplary actions. It also works the other way around. The best amongst us can commit actions that are deplorable and/or inhumane. None of us are completely one or the other.

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