An ancient Chinese proverb warns: “Fullness begets loss,” a principle that echoes the Daoist axiom from Chapter 40: “The movement of the Dao lies in reversal.” Every phenomenon contains within itself the seeds of its own transformation into its opposite.
To keep filling a vessel to the brim is not as good as stopping in time;
to keep sharpening a blade to its utmost edge cannot be long sustained.Gold and jade may fill a hall, yet no one can hold onto them forever;
wealth and honor accompanied by pride bring about one’s own downfall.When success is achieved, to step back is the way of Heaven.
Note
Just as a vessel overflows when filled to its maximum capacity, and a sharp sword inevitably begins to dull, excessive wealth and lofty social positions are equally destined to dissipate. The essential teaching lies in comprehending this cosmic law and transcending the fear of loss.
In practical life:
- Avoid greed for fame and material gains: “To hoard until overflowing invites calamity”.
- Withdraw timely after success, following the Dao’s mandate: “When the work is accomplished, retire – this is the Way of Heaven”.
- Redirect energy toward new creative cycles, emulating water’s perpetual flow: after irrigating fields, it returns to the ocean to recommence its journey.
Further Reading
Chapter Nine’s statement, “To be wealthy and arrogant is to bring calamity upon oneself,” directly relates to Chapter Fifty-Eight’s teaching that “misfortune may be what fortune depends upon; fortune may be where misfortune hides.” Chapter Nine warns that arrogance and self-satisfaction invite disaster, while Chapter Fifty-Eight illustrates through the example of the transformation of misfortune and fortune that extreme conditions inevitably give rise to their opposites. Together, they embody the Daoist wisdom of “remaining vigilant in times of peace.”
Chapter Nine’s phrase, “Retiring when the task is accomplished – this is the Way of Heaven,” resonates with Chapter Sixty-Seven’s principle: “I have three treasures that I hold and cherish: the first is compassion, the second is frugality, and the third is not daring to be first in the world.” Chapter Nine proposes that one should willingly step back after achieving success, while Chapter Sixty-Seven lists “not daring to be first in the world” as one of the three treasures for self-cultivation. Together, they reinforce the Daoist philosophy of “humility, retreat, and embracing gentleness” as a way of life.
持而盈之，不如其已；揣而銳之，不可長保。金玉滿堂，莫之能守；富貴而驕，自遺其咎。功遂身退天之道。
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