Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Extreme hunger and thirst warp one’s taste; likewise, cravings for fame and profit distort the mind. If one guards against such spiritual deprivation, secular inferiority to others will no longer bring inner worry.
The Master said:“Some deliberately hide in obscurity and act eccentrically, hoping to be celebrated by later generations – I will never do such things.A gentleman who follows the Way but abandons it halfway – I could not bring myself to stop like that.Only the sage can steadfastly adhere to the Doctrine of the Mean,…
Every man has his own life experiences. With some, it is always plain sailing, while others encounter many hardships and failures.
Exerting yourself to do a good job is a fine moral trait. But if you make yourself too miserable in the process, then your own ease of mind becomes impossible.