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Caigentan 81. Balance virtues, avoid extremes
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A man must be tolerant and broad-minded, but not unfettered and freewheeling. His thoughts must be meticulous and careful, but not trifling and cluttered.
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Caigentan 80. Backward vs. forward
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It is better to safeguard what you have already accomplished than to crave for exploits of the future.
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Caigentan 79. Beware the inner and outer thieves
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The ears can hear flattering sounds; the eyes can be dazzled by silver and gold. These effects are enemies encroaching from without, whereas carnal desires are robbers hidden within.
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Caigentan 78. The corrosive chain of greed
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Once greed and selfishness dominate a man’s mind, his previously steel-like nature will become soft and weak; his intelligence will become blocked and dulled; his benevolent nature will become vicious; his pure spirit will become muddied; and the virtue he has accumulated over a lifetime will become dissipated.
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Caigentan 77. Challenges forged into growth
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An unruly horse can still be ridden after taming. Melted metals from the smelting furnace are returned to the mould.
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Caigentan 76. Embrace imperfection
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Many life forms spring up in dirty places. Fish are rarely found in pristine water.