Chapter 73

He whose boldness appears in his daring (to do wrong, in defiance of the laws) is put to death; he whose boldness appears in his not daring (to do so) lives on. Of these two cases the one appears to be advantageous, and the other to be injurious. But When Heaven's anger smites a man, Who the cause shall truly scan? On this account the sage feels a difficulty (as to what to do in the former case). It is the way of Heaven not to strive, and yet it skilfully overcomes; not to speak, and yet it is skilful in (obtaining a reply; does not call, and yet men come to it of themselves. Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of Heaven are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.

Commentary

Commentary

DARING TO ACT. 1. Courage, if carried to daring, leads to death; courage, if not carried to daring, le ads to life. Either of these two things is sometimes beneficial, sometimes harmful. 2. "Why ’t is by heaven rejected, Who has the reason detected?" Therefore the holy man also regards it as difficult. 3. The Heavenly Reason strives not, but it is sure to conquer. It speaks not, but it is sure to respond. It summons not, but it comes of itself. It works patiently, but is sure in its designs. 4. Heaven's net is ...