The Chuang Tzu Translated by Burton Watson X - Rifling Trunks -- Part II One of Robber Chihs followers once asked Chih, Does the thief too have a Way? Chih replied, How could he get anywhere if he didnt have a Way? Making shrewd guesses as to how much booty is stashed away in the room is sageliness; being the first one in is bravery; being the last one out is righteousness; knowing whether the job can be pulled off or not is wisdom; dividing up the loot fairly is benevolence. No one in the world ever succeeded in becoming a great thief if he didnt have all five! From this we can see that the good man must acquire the Way of the sage before he can distinguish himself, and Robber Chih must acquire the Way of the sage before he can practice his profession. But good men in the world are few and bad men many, so in fact the sage brings little benefit to the world, but much harm. Thus it is said, When the lips are gone, the teeth are cold; when the wine of Lu is thin, Han-tan is besieged. 4 And when the sage is born, the great thief appears. Cudgel and cane the sages and let the thieves and bandits go their way; then the world will at last be well ordered! If the stream dries up, the valley will be empty; if the hills wash away, the deep pools will be filled up. And if the sage is dead and gone, then no more great thieves will arise. The world will then be peaceful and free of fuss. terebess.hu/english/chuangtzu1.html#10
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 20:40:27 +0000