i ching wisdom: “Modesty”
modesty means success
symbolized by a mountain in the center of the earth
modesty means balance
taking from too much and augmenting what is little
to balance means to never overfill,
less than all can be quite satisfying
“he who possesses something great must not make it too full”
modesty reflects the handle of character,
gives honor and shines forth,
and he who is honored spreads radiance…
for the modest will elevate and grow full
…the way to expansion leads through contracting
…carry all things to their conclusion
…effort leads to achievement
…a man not boasting or calling his merits virtuous is a man of great parts
the earth is still,
it does not act of itself
but remains constantly receptive to the influences of heaven.
thus, its life becomes inexhaustible and eternal.
man, likewise, attains eternity
if he does not strive vaingloriously
to achieve everything
from his own strength,
but quietly,
persevering,
keeping himself receptive
to the impulses freely flowing to him
from life’s creative forces