谓天毋已清将恐裂；

谓地毋已宁将恐发；

谓神毋已灵将恐歇；

谓谷毋已盈将恐渴；

谓侯王毋已贵以高将恐蹶。

Things Fall Apart ;

When the sky is clear, it fears to crack ;

When the earth is quiet, it fears to quiver ;

When the spirits are filled, it fears emptiness ;

When the valleys are full, it fears thirstiness;

When One holds things Dear, one fears setbacks.