Couldn't Be Forced upon

 

Yutang Lin

 

 

Wishing to gain others' favors
It could not be demanded by force
One could only change oneself to suit others

Holding one's views and ways to be righteous, and
Forcing others to follow, even though unwillingly
Will only sow the seed of discontent and grudge
And eventually yield quarrels and conflicts

No matter how superb an ideal is
It could only be adopted voluntarily by people
The world is naturally full of varieties
Where could there be just one remedy for all illnesses

Be it individuals or societies
It is the same reasoning that applies
If the proper principle is not observed
Then sorrows will erupt unceasingly

Written in Chinese and translated on July 31, 2011
El Cerrito, California