This sharp little poem has really struck a chord with me!
To work out why, I tried substituting author for archer and applause for prize. There’s no doubt an overwhelming desire to show off is a surefire way of taking your eye off the ball … or bull. Double vision indeed!
Amazing that the poem was written 24 centuries ago, don’t you think?
When an archer is shooting for nothing
He has all his skill
If he shoots for a brass buckle
He is already nervous
If he shoots for a prize of gold
He goes blind
Or sees two targets -
He is out of his mind!
His skill has not changed. But the prize
Divides him. He cares.
He thinks more of winning
Than of shooting -
And the need to win
Drains him of power.
Chuang Tzu
Image: ClipartWiki
So very true.
If you’ve got nothing you’ve got nothing to lose!
That hits the target, Opher!
Tzu was an amazing wordsmith.
Nice work on the sensible(mad) libs 👍
Cheers for that, cue this:
“Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming I am a man.”
Great parable.
Instantly made me think metamorphosis by Kafka.
Yes, both concerned with feelings of uncertain reality …
Yes, a very succinct piece of Chinese wisdom and I like the substitution. It reminds me of a saying from the Bhagavad Gita, something like’ do not be attached to the fruits of action’.
Interesting link that could also have a modern ‘green’ dimension – action rather than things.
Very good, Dave. I wonder if true wisdom never dies? –Curt
It could be like a never-ending game of pass-the-parcel!