Desire for fame and wealth does not necessarily harm the heart of a man with a true nature; it is the clinging to prejudice that is the root of harm to such a nature.
Lasciviousness in itself does not necessarily prevent a man cultivating the Dao; it is the employment of his intelligence that puts a barrier between him and the Dao.
利欲未尽害心，意见乃害心之蟊贼；声色未必障道，聪明乃障道之藩屏。
Notes
“Opinions” harm the heart more than “Greed”
While greed is a natural desire that may not wholly corrupt if moderated (e.g., “gained justly”), biased opinions or prejudice are insidiously destructive:
- Trapping one in cognitive cocoons, filtering reality through bias;
- Fueling futile conflicts that drain energy;
- Justifying obsession in the name of “righteousness.”
“Cleverness” obstructs the Dao more than “Sensations”
Sensual temptations may not block spiritual insight if restrained (e.g., “felt but not indulged”). Yet misguided cleverness:
- Breeds arrogance that stifles humble learning;
- Diverts focus to superficial cunning over essence;
- Masks calculation as “wisdom,” walling off reverence for truth.
True threats lurk in hidden obsessions
This passage from Cai Gen Tan (Tending the roots of wisdom) warns that internal delusions are deadlier than external temptations:
- Greed/sensations are visible “enemies” we guard against;
- Opinions/cleverness disguise as “reason” or “superiority,” often excused.
While the former corrupts actions (e.g., errors from avarice), the latter warps cognition (e.g., rejecting truth via bias) — a far graver, enduring harm.
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