May 8th

Limits


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.

Personal Interpretation

Everything has its limits. We should not encroach upon nature, nor demand more than our loved ones can give, nor push our bodies to achieve feats that are beyond their ability. Limits define our world. When we reach them, we should conserve our strength for whatever comes next. Sometimes, with enough time and energy, we can defy the limits that are set before us. Sometimes we will move on to something else. The less attention we draw to ourselves, the more of an advantage we will have over people that would thwart our efforts and situations that would defeat us. Limits also give value to things. We take advantage of opportunities because we know they won't be available to us forever. We may come to recognize that there is only so much abuse we can take in a relationship before we are forced to move on (an act which can liberate us in unexpected ways and enable us to look after our own needs). Limits serve the greater good, force us to live within our means, help us channel our energies effectively. It is true wisdom to know when to be hemmed in by limits and when to defy them. Before we can do either, we must learn to live within them.