Exercising Caution from the Beginning to the End
333. It is not always easy to accomplish a task, and failures are not uncommon. Reputations are difficult to establish but can be easily brought down. An imposing thousand-mile-long embankment will leak because of some small holes bored by mole crickets and ants, and a tall mansion can be burnt down by a few sparks of fire from the chimney.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi
334. Start and finish a project with the same degree of caution. Support causes that comply with propriety and punish immoral and violent criminals severely. Only by respecting the will of heaven can one implement the mission entrusted by heaven.
Scroll 2: Shang Shu
335. Do not for one moment think that the throne will shield a ruler from danger, but be mindful of the danger that this position will bring. Thorough and cautious plannings must be done right from the beginning.
Scroll 2: Shang Shu
336. A virtuous ruler is one who can reign long and prosperous by running an ethical government from the beginning till the end. Among the lords who are equal in status, the one who can administer an ethical government will emerge as the leader. Among all the ministers in the imperial palace, the one who can maintain virtuous practices from the beginning till the end will emerge as the teacher.
Scroll 33: Yan Zi
337. A man of noble character (Junzi) makes great contributions, and yet he remains humble. He will maintain this virtue until the end and enjoy good fortune along the way.
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi