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"It is natural to speak only rarely. Violent winds do not last a whole morning And torrential rains do not last a whole day. What is behind these occurrences? [It is the heavens and the earth.] And if the heavens and the earth cannot sustain things for long, How much less the human being. Thus, those who are committed to way-making (dao) in what they do Are on their way. Those who are committed to character (de) in what they do Achieve this character; While those who lose it Are themselves lost. Way-making is moreover enhanced by those who express character, Just as it is diminished by those who themselves have lost it."