One Day Warm, Ten Days Cold

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “It is no wonder the king is not wise. Even the easiest plant to grow cannot survive if exposed to sun for one day and chilled for ten. I see the king only occasionally; once I leave, those who chill him arrive. How could I make a good impulse take root? Playing chess is a small skill, yet without full concentration one cannot master it. Yi Qiu was the best chess player in the realm. Suppose he teaches two students: one listens with complete focus; the other listens but imagines a swan is about to appear and plans to shoot it with a bow and the corded arrow used for fowling. Even though they study together, the second does not learn as well. Is this because his intelligence is inferior? No.”

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