26
Prosperity takes it rise from non-interference, and trouble
from desiring too much.[1]
If one knows enough to be content, riches
will follow; if one has the qualities appropriate to a ruler, honor
will follow. Hence one with high rank who is deficient in these
qualities would not be honored[2]
though he should be Son of
Heaven, and one who covets material goods without knowing
where to stop would not be rich though he should possess the
empire. Now the produce of the land does not increase [indefinitely],
and the products of mountains and lakes are exhaustible.
Cherishing an insatiable mind[3]
to seek things whose increase is
limited, and fostering desires a hundredfold to seek exhaustible
property—this is how Chieh and Chou lost their thrones. The
Ode says,
[4]
Great winds have a path;—
The covetous men subvert their peers.
