Every river has its banks,
Every ocean has its shores.
Constant expansion is not possible. Everything reaches its limits and the wise always try to identify these limits. In the environment, they do not willfully expand civilization at the expense of natural wilderness. In economics, they do not spend beyond the market. In personal relationships, they do not demand more than others can fairly give. In exercise, they do not strain beyond their capacities. In health, they do not go beyond the limits of their age. With such attitudes, the wise can even exploit what others think to be barriers.
When one senses that one has come to the limits of the time and situation, one should conserve one’s energy. Often, this will be in preparation for a challenge to the limits, or a changing over to a new set of constraints. Whenever one comes upon the circumference, it is best to consider carefully and marshal one’s resources before crossing the line. There is always uncertainty, and we must be wary.
We can also utilize limits for our own purposes. We can trap someone because we know of the limits ahead. Defense is possible by utilizing given limits, as a wall protects our backs in a fight. Work is easier when we know that we will be working for a limited time. We can take advantage of opportunities because we know that they are only there for the moment. Limitations should not always be seen as negative constraints. They are the geography of our situation, and it is only right to take advantage of this.
Knowing our limits is wisdom,
Not knowing our limits is ignorance.
The Wise One knows his limits,
Thus he knows always what is possible to be done.
— Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching 71
How often do we push ourselves too hard, only to collapse in exhaustion? Well, not so often for me these days. I have learned my limits pretty well, and try not to take on too much at a time anymore. But I think a lot of us are pushed to the limits these days, and find ourselves without the time we need for renewal. Even when life is at its busiest, take a few minutes each day just to rest and renew yourself. Then, when you are pushing the limits, learn to recognize it, and see if that thing which seems so important is really worth risking a relationship, your health, or your sense of well-being.
But a lot of what we think of as limits really aren’t as solid as they seem, either. I pushed my limits yesterday and went to learn from people I thought I had little in common with. But what I found is that I could learn from them, even so. While I may not always agree with people, or think they have much to give me, they do. So I have to learn not to take the limits I set on myself and others so seriously, and find where it is our interests merge. Often those limits are not as well-defined as they appear to be.
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