The Master who embraces Simplicity

July 3, 2026

Honor, position, power, and wealth are like visitors, since they are not eternal things, and once they go, they cannot be retained. It is like the case of flowers in the spring, which must necessarily die and fall to the ground. In attaining them, one is not delighted; in losing them, what sadness is there?

Now, I know that I am lazy by nature and extremely short on talent. Even if I were to be respectful and go about my duty, proceeding as quickly as dust on the wind, I would not necessarily be able to achieve great fame or position, or avoid sorrow or encumbrance. How much more so is this the case, since I cannot even do this?

~ Ge Hong, The Master Who Embraces Simplicity