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物极必反

wù jí bì fǎn
Things turn when they reach their extreme.

Things extreme must reverse

This means that when something reaches its peak or extreme, ...

This means that when something reaches its peak or extreme, it will inevitably turn in the opposite direction. It's a warning against excess and a reminder that all cycles have a turning point.

This is a core concept from Daoist philosophy, reflecting the belief in the dynamic balance of yin and yang. It's used to describe everything from political cycles to personal fortunes.

Someone might say this when a booming economy starts to crash, or when a person who is always winning suddenly faces a setback—often as a caution against overconfidence.

This saying promotes moderation and foresight. It signals that nothing is permanent, and that the wise person prepares for change rather than clinging to a current state. It's a philosophical tool for maintaining emotional balance.

#wisdom #caution #human-nature

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