Part 3: On cageyness, caution, moderation, patience, and prudence

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The butterfly does not join others at a market of thorns; otherwise its cloth [59] will be shredded.
(One should know one's limitations and act accordingly.)

The butterfly that collides with a thorn with have its cloth shredded.
(One should be wise enough to know one's nemesis and to avoid it.)

Common sense “is” the father of good character; whoever has patience has everything.
(Common sense and patience are the chief qualities one must have.)

A worrisome problem that soars to the heavens must eventually come down.
(No difficulty is without its end.)

It is by gentle but persistent beating that the bachelor beats his child to death.
(People not used to caring for delicate articles soon destroy them by their mishandling.)

59. The cloth here refers to the butterfly's wings.  [Back to text]