As for those who would take the whole world

To tinker it as they see fit,

I observe that they never succeed:

For the world is a sacred vessel

Not made to be altered by man.

The tinker will spoil it;

Usurpers will lose it.

For indeed there are things

That must move ahead,

While others must lag;

And some that feel hot,

While others feel cold;

And some that are strong,

While others are weak;

And vigorous ones,

With others worn out.

So the Wise Man discards

Extreme inclinations

To make sweeping judgments

Or to a life of excess

(Lao Tzu--Tao Te Ching)