This chapter warns against excess and pride. It advises knowing when to stop, as overreaching leads to loss, and humility in success is the natural way.
Key Concepts
Knowing When to Stop
功成身退
Humility
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 9, "Fill and Spill", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/en/chapters/9/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
To hold and fill to overflowing is not as good as stopping. To sharpen a blade too much will make it dull and not last long. A hall filled with gold and jade cannot be guarded. Wealth and arrogance bring their own ruin. To withdraw when the work is done is the way of Heaven.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter warns against excess and pride. It advises knowing when to stop, as overreaching leads to loss, and humility in success is the natural way.
How does it relate to me?
I sometimes get caught up in wanting more—more success, more possessions. This reminds me to be content and to step back when I've done enough, avoiding the burnout and regret that come from overreaching.
What should I do today?
Today, I will intentionally stop one activity before I feel I've done 'enough,' leaving some space for rest and reflection, and remind myself that completion is a form of wisdom.
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself. When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.
AI Modern
To hold and fill to overflowing is not as good as stopping. To sharpen a blade too much will make it dull and not last long. A hall filled with gold and jade cannot be guarded. Wealth and arrogance bring their own ruin. To withdraw when the work is done is the way of Heaven.
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
