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Daoism -> Zhuangzi -> Outer Chapters -> Heaven and Earth -> 14.2

,《》、《》,Grand music does not penetrate the ears of villagers; but if they hear 'The Breaking of the Willow,' or 'The Bright Flowers,' they will roar with laughter.
So it is that lofty words do not remain in the minds of the multitude,
and that perfect words are not heard,
because the vulgar words predominate.
By two earthenware instruments the (music of) a bell will be confused,
and the pleasure that it would afford cannot be obtained.
天下 At the present time the whole world is under a delusion,
and though I wish to go in a certain direction,
how can I succeed in doing so?
Knowing that I cannot do so, if I were to try to force my way,
that would be another delusion.
Therefore my best course is to let my purpose go, and no more pursue it.
If I do not pursue it, whom shall I have to share in my sorrow?
If an ugly man have a son born to him at midnight,
he hastens with a light to look at it.
Very eagerly he does so, only afraid that it may be like himself.


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