Motif
External aims cause loss of proper nature
external_aims_cause_loss_of_proper_nature
A motif of the Sacred Knowledge and Wisdom family, within the sub-family Wisdom Teaching and Moral Instruction. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
daoist
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Chuang Tzu: Mystic, Moralist, and Social Reformer CHAPTER VII. / HOW TO GOVERN. / CHAPTER VIII. / JOINED TOES.; lines 3958-4085 confidence: high
From the Three Dynasties onward, external things are said to change human nature: the mean man dies for gain, the superior man for fame, the man of rank for ancestral honours, and the Sage for the world; the injury in sacrificing life is the same.
The passage says people die for gain, fame, ancestral honours, or the world, and gives shepherds who lose flocks through distracting pursuits.
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