The great officers of the court must foster in themselves a bit of the mindset of the hermit who lives in the mountains and forests.
At the same time, the recluse must never abandon the ambition and ability to serve his country.
居轩冕之中，不可无山林的气味；处林泉之下，须要怀廊庙的经纶。
Notes
Preserving Essence Amid Prosperity
Officialdom and arena of fame and gain overflow with temptations and strife (e.g., power struggles, profit-seeking). Immersion risks being consumed by desire, breeding and restlessness. The “spirit of wilderness” or “mindset of the hermit” embodies maintaining spiritual independence and detachment within worldly currents. This mindset ensures “engagement with society” does not devolve into “pursuit of personal profit”.
Holding Responsibility Amid Ease
While reclusion offers escape from worldly chaos, using it to justify apathy or neglect of society reflects narrow-minded and “self-cultivation alone”. Whether in office or not, one should uphold a “world as one’s duty” perspective, avoiding refined egoism.
Balance in ‘Engagement and Withdrawal’: Reject Extremes for Wholeness
This passage from Tending the roots of wisdom (Cai Gen Tan) fundamentally opposes “either/or” extremism: It critiques losing oneself in high position, yet warns against nihilistic withdrawal. It advocates a dialectical approach:
- When engaged: Anchor the spirit with “mindset of the hermit” to avoid alienation by externals;
- When withdrawn: Ground value in “statecraft heart” to prevent erosion by ease.
Seemingly contradictory, these unite in “integrated character”: courage to shoulder the world’s burdens and poise to anchor the self; resilience amid clamor and compassion within stillness.
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