The famous quotes from The Biography of Guo Tuo-tuo, the Tree Planter (種樹郭橐駝傳):
Quotes on Tree-Planting Experience
"橐駝非能使木壽且孳也，能順木之天，以致其性焉爾。"
- Translation: Tuo-tuo isn't able to make trees live long and flourish; he simply follows their natural tendencies, allowing their inherent nature to fully develop.
- Explanation: This reveals that the fundamental key to successful tree planting lies in following natural laws.
"其本欲舒，其培欲平，其土欲故，其築欲密。"
- Translation: Its roots should be spread out, the soil around its base should be level, the earth should be its original soil, and the tamping should be firm.
- Explanation: This summarizes the specific essentials of tree planting, emphasizing adherence to the trees' growth habits.
"其蒔也若子，其置也若棄。"
- Translation: When planting, treat it like a child; once planted, leave it as if abandoned.
- Explanation: This explains the wisdom of appropriate care and letting go, avoiding excessive interference.
Quotes Criticizing Improper Tree-Planting Methods
"雖曰愛之，其實害之；雖曰憂之，其實讎之。"
- Translation: Although they say they love it, they are actually harming it; although they say they worry about it, they are actually its enemy.
- Explanation: This points out that excessive care can be counterproductive, drawing a parallel to inappropriate methods of education and management.
Quotes Extended to Governance
"見長人者好煩其令，若甚憐焉，而卒以禍。"
- Translation: Seeing those in power who love to issue numerous commands, as if showing great compassion, but ultimately bringing disaster.
- Explanation: This critiques officials who issue tedious and disruptive policies, causing harm to the people, echoing the principles of tree planting.
"傳其事以爲官戒也。"
- Translation: I record this matter as a warning for officials.
- Explanation: This clarifies the purpose of the essay, emphasizing the use of the tree-planting wisdom to caution those in power.
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