492-431 BCE, Chinese Philosopher
Centering
Before pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy have arisen, we are in the center. When these passions have arisen and when all attain their proper degree, we are in harmony. That center is the root of the universe; that harmony is the Tao, reaching out to all things. Once we find the center and achieve harmony, heaven and earth take their proper places, and all things are fully nourished.
"The Central Harmony," in The Wisdom of Confucius , Lin Yutang, tr., 1938
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