12月7日

《菜根譚》選 ─ 富貴如花
明 洪應明 ( 生卒年不詳 )

富貴名譽，
自道德來者，如山林中花，自是舒徐繁衍。
自功業來者，如盆檻中花，便有遷徙興廢。
以權力得者，如瓶鉢中花，其根不植，其萎可立待矣。

──選自《菜根譚》

December 7

Selections from Tending the Roots of Wisdom - Wealth Is Like a Flower
Hong Yingming (Years unknown, Ming Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

Wealth and fame:
If acquired by virtue, are like flowers in a forest;
    they will naturally flourish.
If acquired by merit, are like flowers in a pot;
    they will experience shifts, rise, and fall.
If acquired by power, are like flowers in a bowl;
    they cannot take root, wilting is a matter of time.

── from Cai Gen Tan (Tending the Roots of Wisdom)