When we were camping for free on a Northern California beach, we learned from some hippie royalty what true riches are about, and why spiritual and literal hoarding doesn’t help us emancipate as quickly as we otherwise might.

9.

Overfill your cup: it will spill.

Over-sharpen your sword: it might shatter,

when it really matters.

Amass wealth: you can’t protect it.

Excessive pride in riches and prestige

will only leave you in disgrace.

So do your work;

then let it speak for itself.

This is the resplendent Tao.

Reflection

When working through this chapter, we almost thought of using the metaphor of over-sharpening a pencil. Consider it: you want a nice writing device. You don’t want it to be dull. But if you don’t stop sharpening it, it will be nothing but an erasure and a little nub. And you won’t be able to write with it for long. This is yet another way of conveying the main point of this chapter: don’t overdo it.

A few years back, Jeff fell in love with a Japanese custom of serving sake in a bamboo cup that is placed in a wooden tray. The point of this setup is that the server is supposed to intentionally overfill the shot-glass-like receptacle and let it spill over, symbolizing generosity, abundance, and a rejection of stinginess. We love this image, especially since we too often encounter folks who hold their assets, refuse to share with those in need, or always take note of how they’ve been screwed over. On the other hand, we love an archetypal image, common to traditions from Europe to Asia, of an angel or goddess who has a vessel that spills out endlessly. We love it because we think this archetype reflects grace, unconditional love, and the healing of our selfish world.

As much as we dig these concepts and images, there’s also value in avoiding personal excess. The greatest riches are realized when we remember that it gets messy when we accumulate too much. As the Notorious B.I.G. once expressed, in a refrain to his song, “Mo Money Mo Problems”

I don't know what they want from me

It's like the more money we come across

The more problems we see

The problem with ephemeral riches is that they take a lot of effort to protect, and yet it is impossible to take it with you when you leave this life. Those who compromise their values—or at least what should be their values—often end up losing the very things they were after in the first place. As Aristotle once noted regarding happiness, no one really wants money; they want what it can bring. Money might buy friends, and it might attract a spouse. But if we lose our integrity for the sake of fleeting wealth, we end up with nothing… nothing, that is, but disgrace, dishonor, and the shame of a wasted life.

On the positive side of things, consider that a person who might not get rich and famous in this life, but does work with excellence, as an artistic act of heroism, often finds in the end that their legacies are worth more than anything this world has to offer. To do that work humbly but superbly, and to let that work speak for itself is the way to offer something that matters, to find meaning in our lives, and to serve our neighbors through our unique callings.

This week, ask yourself: what is it that you love to do? Then ask: is it possible that what you love to do is also a boon to those around you? If so, then don’t focus on what you’ll get paid for it. Be savvy, but also recognize that when folks see your gifts and your simultaneous humility, the good ones will advocate for you. Even if all comes to ruin, you can rest your head on your pillow knowing that you followed the “resplendent Tao,” literally “heaven’s Tao” in the original. This means something like the way the cosmos works, but also the way things work beautifully. You are beautiful. Own it without flaunting it. Let’s see what you’ve got, friend. We’re rooting for you. And remember, there’s nothing to lose but the thin skin of your useless ego. Your true self stands to gain quite a bit.

Guanyin pouring out medicine without ceasing.

The archetype of the endless gift of life is found in this motif, found in many versions of the tarot deck.

Let Go of Excess (Tao Te Ching 9)