A man whose thoughts are magnanimous treats both himself and others with consideration. Then magnanimity is everywhere.
A man whose thoughts are mean treats both himself and others meanly. Then meanness is everywhere.
Therefore, in pursuing his hobbies, a man of noble character should avoid passion as well as indifference.
念头浓者，自待厚待人亦厚，处处皆浓；念头淡者，自待薄待人亦薄，事事皆淡。故君子居常嗜好，不可太浓艳，亦不宜太枯寂。
Notes
Individuals driven by strong desires seek abundant material/emotional fulfillment for themselves and extend fervent attentiveness to others, coloring life intensely. Conversely, those with restrained yearnings simplify self-indulgence and maintain emotional reserve in relationships, embodying tranquility.
The noble person rejects both extremes for their deviation from the Middle Way:
- “Excessive extravagance” risks enslavement to desire;
- “Extreme asceticism” breeds emotional isolation.
True harmony lies in their fusion — mastering life by neither scorching in desire’s fire nor freezing in detachment’s void.
Leave a Reply