[Book Sip] The Grace to Accept Being 'Somewhat Lacking'

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

Hong Zicheng, a Ming dynasty thinker about whom little is known except that he came from a merchant family, is well known as the author of Caigen Tan, often called the "Eastern Proverbs Collection." He went through numerous setbacks and hardships in his pursuit of success and advancement, and he incorporated the experiences gained during that process into Caigen Tan. The title means "If a person can chew on grass roots, they can do anything," advising how to achieve one's desires without losing heart in a harsh reality.

Those who do not know tactics such as deceiving others or setting traps are certainly wise. However, those who know such schemes well but choose not to use them are truly the wisest. - 003 Masters know tactics but do not use them

As soon as there is joy, a problem arises; as soon as things go well, misfortune quickly follows?this is life. The essence of a peaceful and comfortable life lies in an ordinary meal and a mundane daily routine. - 027 A peaceful ordinary day is happiness

If a person is too idle, unnecessary distractions cross their mind. Conversely, if too busy, they lose the leisure to reflect and lose their true self. Both body and mind need moderate hardship, and one must also know how to enjoy leisure. - 031 Neither too idle nor too busy

If virtue is the master of a household, talent is like the servants who follow the master. Even if one has abundant talent, without virtue, it is like servants running wild in a house without a master. Such a person is bound to collapse on their own. - 039 Why character is more important than talent

A person who self-reflects turns every experience into medicine that strengthens them. In contrast, a person who shifts blame to others turns every thought into poison that harms themselves. Those who reflect and learn grow, but those who only blame others become failures, creating a world of difference between their lives. - 074 The poison of blaming others

First, do not scold others for trivial mistakes. Second, do not expose secrets others want to keep hidden. Third, do not hold grudges over past mistakes others have made. - 106 Three things to keep in mind for harmonious relationships

People’s situations vary greatly; some have much, others little. How can I expect only myself to have everything? There are things right and wrong in my own heart; how can I expect others to always be right? - 133 Remember that others are like you

Rather than being perfect in everything, one should leave some margin. Whether demonstrating ability or pursuing profit, being "somewhat lacking" is just right. This way, no worries arise inside or out. - 153 Leave some margin in everything

Even if nine out of ten words are correct, one cannot expect to be praised as brilliant, but if one word is wrong, criticism pours from all sides. Even if ten strategies are devised and all succeed, there is no guarantee the credit will be recognized, but if one fails even once, slander rains down. Therefore, wise people remain silent rather than speak, and pretend to be clumsy rather than show off. - 165 Why wise people speak sparingly

Ancient people said, "Wild beasts can be tamed, but it is hard to subdue the human heart; deep valleys can be filled, but the human heart cannot be satisfied." This is truly a correct saying. - 205 It is harder to govern the human heart than wild beasts

Those without greed do not strive to find happiness but live happily without realizing it. The greedy and crooked-hearted always try to avoid misfortune but end up living an unhappy life without realizing it. - 213 The more you try to avoid misfortune, the more it chases you

First Translation of Caigen Tan | Written by Hong Zicheng | Translated by Park Mikyung | Bookie | 264 pages | 18,000 KRW