If, when the sun and moon are shining, you persist in lighting a torch, is not that a misapplication of fire?

Excerpt

The Emperor Yao wished to abdicate in favour of Hsü Yu, saying, If, when the sun and moon are shining, you persist in lighting a torch, is not that a misapplication of fire? If, when the rainy season is at its height, you still continue to water the ground, is not this a waste of labour? Now, sir, do you assume the reins of government, and the empire will be at peace.

Source Chuang Tzu, chapter 1, §4 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to Chuang Tzu, the Emperor Yao, full of humility, wants to hand over the throne to the sage Hsü Yu: when the sun is shining, he says, the torch is no longer useful. Today, acknowledge out loud the light of someone around you, what they do better than you, and gladly make room for them.

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