Wen Tzu - Verse 155, Part IV

from Verse One Hundred Fifty-Five

Those whose virtue exceeds their rank are honored; those whose salary exceeds their virtue are accursed. The nobility of virtue involves no aggrandizement; a just salary is not too much. Those who are ennobled without virtue are stealing rank, those who take unjustly are stealing wealth.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

For me, this passage is all about striving. When we strive for fame, celebrity, influence or titles, we always think more of ourselves than is warranted. So, whatever we receive is excessive.

A virtuous person, on the other hand, doesn't strive at all. They take what is provided without complaint and they view the provision as sufficient. Because it is sufficient, there is no cause to strive for more.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.