If a man does a bad thing and fears that others will find out, it shows that, despite his wickedness, he still has a conscience.
If a man does a good deed and is anxious for others to know about it, it shows that in the midst of his benevolence lurks a tendency to evil.
为恶而畏人知，恶中尤有善路；为善而急人知，善处即是恶根。
Notes
Fear as a bridge from darkness
Evildoer fearing exposure reveals residual conscience — A path to goodness in darkness.
Shame becomes the seed of redemption.
Eagerness as a trap in light
Virtuous person seeking praise betrays ulterior motives — Corruption rooted in good deeds.
Craving recognition poisons pure intent.
Philosophical Resonance:
Echoes Pu Songling in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio:
“Unintentional wrong, though wrong, deserves no punishment;
Intentional good, though good, merits no reward.”
True morality lies in the unseen heart, not the visible act.
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