If I had just a bit of wisdom
I should walk the Great Path and fear
only straying from it.
Though the way is broad
People love shortcuts.
The court is immaculate,
While the fields are overgrown with weeds,
And the granaries are empty.
They wear silk finery,
Carry sharp swords,
Sate themselves on food and drink
Having wealth in excess.
They are called thieving braggarts.
This is definitely not the Way.
Lao Tzu
from Tao Te Ching
Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005
