Lot 84 of 100
Losing virtue for the sake of fame leads to disharmony
The poem
因名喪德不和同切忌忙中變作凶醉後不知何處去青松影裡睡矇矓
In English
Losing virtue for the sake of fame leads to disharmony.Be careful that in haste, things do not turn bad.Drunk, you do not know where you went,and sleep drowsily in the shade of the green pines.
What it says
Giving up virtue for reputation costs harmony. The poem warns to be careful in haste so that things do not go wrong, and ends with an image of a drunken, drowsy sleep under pines, a hint of withdrawing for a while. It advises against losing your sense of proportion in the rush for results.
A thought to take with you
When rushing for recognition or gain, check that you have not dropped your principles.