Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide. Do thou what's straight still crooked deem; Thy greatest art still stupid seem, And eloquence a stammering scream.Tao Te Ching 45.1 · Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching 45.1
Tao Te Ching · translated by James Legge
Themes in this passage
PatiencePovertyStrengthDoubtImpermanence
Patience in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism address it.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.Hebrews 6:15 · Bible · Hebrews
But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see.Quran 70:5 · Quran
The pious king, with grief distressed, The noble hundred thus addressed: "With patience, daughters, bear your fate, Yours was a deed supremely great When with one mind you kept from shame The honour of your father's name. Patience, when men their anger vent, Is woman's praise and ornament; Yet when the Gods inflict the blow Hard is it to support the woe. Patience, my girls, exceeds all price: 'Tis alms, and truth, and sacrifice. Patience is virtue, patience fame: Patience upholds this earthly frame. And now, I think, is come the time To wed you in your maiden prime. Now, daughters, go where'er you will: Thoughts for your good my mind shall fill."Ramayana 1.140 · Ramayana · 1
Silently shall I endure abuse as the elephant in battle endures the arrow sent from the bow: for the world is ill-natured.Dhp 23.320 · Dhammapada · The Elephant
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