Human nature is inconsistent and contrary. The path of life is rough and rugged. Where the going is difficult it is necessary to know how to withdraw a step. Where the going is easier, be inclusive in yielding portions of credit for your work.

Vegetable Roots Discourse: Wisdom from Ming China on Life and Living - Caicentan by Hong Zicheng (Shoemaker & Hoard, 2006), Translated by Robert Aitken with Daniel W. Y. Kwok, p. 19