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1. If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.
2.
The course and nature of things is such thatWhat was in front is now behind;What warmed anon we freezing find.Strength is of weakness oft the spoil;The store in ruins mocks our toil.
Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.