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"In ruling the people and in serving heaven it is best for a ruler tobe sparing. It is because he is sparing That he may be said to follow the way from the start; Following the way from the start he may be said to accumulate an abundanceof virtue; Accumulating an abundance of virtue there is nothing he cannot overcome; When there is nothing he cannot overcome, no one knows his limit; When no one knows his limit He can possess a state; When he possesses the mother of a state He can then endure. This is called the way of deep roots and firm stems by which one livesto see many days."