A classical Chinese line for “Slow down and do not rush”

If you desire speed, you will not arrive; if you chase small gains, great work will not be completed.

Plain meaningDo not let impatience or short-term rewards ruin the larger goal.

I pluck chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and, at ease, see the southern mountain.

Plain meaningPeace appears when you step away from noise and live simply.

Do not rejoice because of external things, nor grieve because of personal loss.

Plain meaningKeep your balance through success and setback.

Praised by the whole world, he is not further encouraged; condemned by the whole world, he is not discouraged.

Plain meaningLet neither praise nor criticism control who you are.

Looking back at the bleak place I came through, I return: there is neither storm nor clear sky.

Plain meaningAfter weathering the storm, I no longer let hardship or ease define me.

Cut water with a blade and it flows all the more; raise a cup to drown sorrow and sorrow grows deeper.

Plain meaningTrying to force grief away can make it return even more strongly.