This is a quote that is the succinct basis for the story of the tortoise and the hare. It is one of the wisest quotes you will ever read, yet still one of the most ignored. More than ever, people are wrapped up in their urge to get wherever they think they have to be; quicker, faster by whatever means possible. However this rushing blinds the truth that it is better to be relaxed, to take life at our own pace, acomplishing things without stress.
欲速則不達
yù sù zé bù dá
If you are in a hurry you will never get there.
More commonly in English this proverb would be More Haste Less Speed. One assumes that this monk had not been told this. Or had left his Zen in his other robes.
*(please forgive the religious quip)
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Did you know that?
ReplyDelete欲 = want, desire
速 = quick, speed
則 = then
不 = no, not
達 = achieve, arrive
Is it easier to remember Chinese phrases if you break them up?
it does break the sentence right down to its meqaning doesnt it.
ReplyDeleteI like the five character idioms. So packed full of meaning.