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PHILOSOPHY

1. (Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes did not (seek) to show them, and
therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those attributes
(sought how) not to lose them, and therefore they did not possess them (in fullest measure).

2. (Those who) possessed in the highest degree those attributes did nothing (with a purpose), and had no need
to do anything. (Those who) possessed them in a lower degree were (always) doing, and had need to be so doing.

3. (Those who) possessed the highest benevolence were (always seeking) to carry it out, and had no need to
be doing so. (Those who) possessed the highest righteousness were (always seeking) to carry it out, and had need
to be so doing.

4. (Those who) possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did
not respond to it, they bared the arm and marched up to them.

5. Thus it was that when the wisdom was lost, its attributes appeared; when its attributes were lost, benevolence
appeared; when benevolence was lost, righteousness appeared; and when righteousness was lost, the proprieties
appeared.

6. Now propriety is the attenuated form of leal-heartedness and good faith, and is also the commencement of
disorder; swift apprehension is (only) a flower of the wisdom, and is the beginning of stupidity.

7. Thus it is that the Great man abides by what is solid, and eschews what is flimsy; dwells with the fruit and
not with the flower. It is thus that he puts away the one and makes choice of the other.

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