There is a traditional saying: "When the water is muddy the
fish come to the surface for air; when orders are harsh, the people
fall into disorder; if the city walls are [too] steep, they will [be
sure to][2]
collapse; if the bank is [too] steep it is [sure to] cave in."
Hence Wu Ch`i, who made harsh criminal law, was torn to pieces
between chariots;[3]
Shang Yang, who made the laws severe, was
torn limb from limb.[4]
The governing of a state may be compared
to tuning a lute. When the large strings are too tight, the small
strings break. Truly, "he who tightens bridle and bit is not a
thousand-li charioteer." The sound that has sound does not go
beyond a hundred li; the sound without sound spreads to the ends
of the world.[5]
Thus one whose pay exceeds his services is pared
down, and one whose reputation exceeds the reality suffers loss.
When feelings and actions are in accord with reputation, disaster
and prosperity do not arrive without cause. The Ode says,[6]
Why does he rest without stirring?
It must be he has someone to be with.
Why does he prolong the time?
There must be a reason for his conduct.
Truly, only when there is inaction is one no longer hampered
by the external world,[7]
even though he prolongs his life.
