When the water is clear, there will be no fish, and when people are careful, there will be no disciples." This is a famous motto in ancient my country, which is found in "The Book of Rites of Great Dai: Zizhang Wen Entering the Palace Chapter".

"If the water is too clear, there will be no fish." This is a truth that everyone knows. The reason is simply that the water is too clear and it is difficult for fish to survive. "If a person is careful, there will be no disciples." Cha means careful observation. Disciple means the same kind or companion. Now It refers to "friends". This is a metaphor for the real society. If people are too shrewd and too critical, they will not be able to tolerate others, and they will have no partners or friends.