Zhuangzi Quotes About Gold
-
In an archery contest, when the stakes are earthenware tiles a contestant shoots with skill. When the stakes are belt buckles he becomes hesitant, and if the stakes are pure gold he becomes nervous and confused. There is no difference as to his skil.
→ -
When an archer shoots for enjoyment, he has all his skill; when he shoots for a brass buckle, he gets nervous; when he shoots for a prize of gold, he begins to see two targets.
→ -
When an archer is shooting for nothing, he has all his skill. If he shoots for a brass buckle, he is already nervous. If he shoots for a prize of gold, he goes blind or sees two targets - He is out of his mind! His skill has not changed. But the prize divides him. He cares. He thinks more of winning than of shooting- And the need to win drains him of power.
→ -
An archer competing for a clay vessel shoots effortlessly, his or her skill and concentration unimpeded. If the prize is changed to a brass ornament, the hands begin to shake. If it is changed to gold, he or she squints as if going blind. The abilities do not deteriorate, but belief in them does, as he or she allows the supposed value of an external reward to cloud the vision.
→
Related Authors
-
Laozi Philosopher -
Mencius Philosopher -
Sun Tzu Strategist -
Zhou Enlai Diplomat -
Liang Qichao Journalist -
William Shakespeare Poet -
Shang Yang Statesman -
Ge Hong Writer -
H. G. Wells Writer -
Guo Xiang Philosopher -
Octavio Paz Poet -
Han Fei Philosopher -
Sima Qian Historian -
Jorge Luis Borges Writer -
Thomas Merton Writer -
Bai Juyi Poet -
Virgil Poet -
Confucius Philosopher -
Ursula K. Le Guin Author -
Xunzi Philosopher