13.2 Do things thoroughly, avoid the temptation of seeking quick and minute advantages

子夏為莒父宰、問政。子曰、無欲速、無見小利。欲速則不達、 見小利則大事不成。

Zixia, being governor of Chu-fu, asked about government. The Master said, ‘Do not be desirous to have things done quickly; do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.’

* * *

When we grow flower, rushing it to grow by pulling it up will kill it; harvesting immaturely will prevent you from seeing the full blossom.    Impatient decisions are prone to mistakes, lost sight in short-term gain limits one’s long term development and outcome.  These errors can be readily seen not only in gardening and government, but also in personal relationships, workplace, business, and even in personal study and development.  Stay centered and unmoved from one’s rushingness and short-sightingness.  Aim big, stay put, and be patient, and we will see our flowers blossom.