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月满则亏,水满则溢

yuè mǎn zé kuī, shuǐ mǎn zé yì
The fullest moon wanes; the fullest water overflows.

Moon full then wanes, water full then overflows.

When something reaches its peak, it begins to decline. Don't...

When something reaches its peak, it begins to decline. Don't be arrogant in success; maintain moderation and humility.

This saying is rooted in Daoist philosophy of balance and the natural cycle of rise and fall. It's often used to advise against overconfidence and excess.

Someone might say this when a successful person becomes arrogant, or when a company expands too aggressively and risks collapse.

It warns against the danger of extremes and encourages the 'middle way' (中庸). By using natural imagery, it makes the principle of impermanence intuitive, reminding people that humility is key to longevity.

#humility #wisdom #human-nature

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