Why is it said that "if virtue is not matched, there will be disaster"?

Xie Xiaowen

Everyone who has studied and understood traditional Chinese culture has a deep understanding of the old saying "If virtue is not matched, there will be disaster." I personally often wonder about this sentence, especially in today's era, how to know its true meaning. I personally think that it can be understood from three levels: how to understand, how to measure, and how to practice.

First, how to understand? The source of the sentence "If virtue is not matched, there will be disaster" comes from "Xici Xia" of the Book of Changes. This sentence has been quoted by many classics and celebrities in later generations. The general meaning is: If a person's virtue cannot match his status, disaster will sooner or later occur. The understanding of this sentence can be combined with what Nan Huaijin, a master of traditional Chinese culture, said: "To have self-awareness, people must know the depth of their talents, virtues and abilities. If you commit the crime of 'small virtue but high status, small wisdom but big plan, These three mistakes of "small power but heavy responsibility" will definitely lead to bad luck, with few exceptions."

Second, does it make sense? From a materialist perspective, the sentence "If virtue is not matched, there will be disaster", it seems that this sentence has a bit of idealism. In fact, if you read it carefully, you will feel that this is also scientifically justified. People with mismatched morals seem to be able to hide many unknown behaviors and mentality and live peacefully. In fact, this is not the case, especially in today's media era where everyone has media, the fox's tail will always show up one day. You can be deceived for a while, but it is difficult to deceive for the rest of your life. Sooner or later, you will encounter disaster. Even if a public figure with unmatched moral integrity is lucky enough to live a safe life, will history never notice it? In this way, the children educated by such virtuous people will not be affected by anger? So it's just a matter of time.

Third, how to practice it? "If virtue is not matched, there will be disaster." This is the experience of the ancients and the painstaking realization. Especially those who want to do things, do big things, and keep their careers evergreen, must be particularly respectful of this sentence and practice it with heart. While being diligent and promising in the world, you must not relax the cultivation of your own moral character. It is better to have high morals and a low status than to have low morals and a high status. For defects in character and morality, you must dare to self-correct, reflect and make corrections to match your position and environment. Only then can your career last longer and your body and mind be healthier.

Xie Xiaowen: Strategy scholar. Mainly commenting on current affairs, business, railways, and culture.