Chapter 09

The Danger of Excess

持而盈之

Fill a cup too full and it spills — knowing when to stop

Translation

“Fill a cup to overflowing and it will spill. Sharpen a blade too much and it will dull. Chase wealth and fame too hard and you invite ruin.”

›Classical Chinese

持而盈之，不如其已；揣而锐之，不可长保。金玉满堂，莫之能守；富贵而骄，自遗其咎。功遂身退，天之道也。

Know when enough is enough. In relationships, work, and self-care — overfilling anything leads to spillage. Leave room.

›Classical Commentary

持盈则溢——握持得太满就会溢出。

揣锐则折——锋芒太露容易折断。

金玉满堂莫之能守——财富无法永远守住。

富贵而骄自遗其咎——骄奢带来祸患。

功遂身退天之道——功成身退，符合自然规律。

急流勇退是中國傳統政治智慧的精髓。

For Those Who Hold Too Tightly

Beginning of path

Accepting the Self

same reading path

Simple and True

same reading path

Yield and Overcome

same reading path

Let this chapter guide your next step.