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"The entire world knows me as “great.” I am great, and yet bear a resemblance to nothing at all. Indeed, it is only because I resemble nothing at all that I am able to be great. If I did bear a resemblance to something else, For a long time now I would have been of little consequence. I really have three prized possessions that I cling to and treasure: The first of these is compassion, The second, frugality, And the third is my reluctance to try to become preeminent in the world. It is because of my compassion that I can be courageous; It is because of my frugality that I can be generous; It is because of my reluctance to try to become preeminent in the world that I am able to become chief among all things. To be courageous without compassion, To be generous without being frugal, And to take the lead without holding back— This is courting death. Compassion will give you victory in waging war, And security in defending your ground. When nature sets anything up It is as if it fortifies it with a wall of compassion."