The straightest tree is cut first. The sweetest well runs dry first.
Zhuangzi, Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain)
The straightest tree is cut first. The sweetest well runs dry first.
Zhuangzi, Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain)
The source
"The straightest tree is cut first. The sweetest well runs dry first." Zhuangzi said it in Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
"直木先伐，甘井先竭。"Original Chinese, Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain). Chinese: Zhuangzi text via zh.wikisource; chapter title after Legge 1891.
Who said it
Zhuangzi (c. 369–286 BC). Taoist storyteller of the butterfly dream, the useless tree and the cook who never dulled his knife.
Questions
- Who said "The straightest tree is cut first. The sweetest well runs dry first."?
- Zhuangzi (c. 369–286 BC). Source: Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain).
- What is the original Chinese?
- 直木先伐，甘井先竭。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
Filed under Character.
Wear Zhuangzi
Down with the whirl, up with the surge. Follow the water's way.
Zhuangzi, Zhuangzi 19 (The Full Understanding of Life)
from$46
An empty boat hits yours and you don't get mad. Be the empty boat.
Zhuangzi, Zhuangzi 20 (The Tree on the Mountain)
from$46
Don't talk ocean with a frog in a well.
Zhuangzi, Zhuangzi 17 (The Floods of Autumn)
from$46
Not right? Don't do it. Not true? Don't say it.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 12.17
from$46
More from Zhuangzi
- If the water isn't deep, it can't carry a big boat.Zhuangzi 1 (Enjoyment in Untroubled Ease)
- A whole forest to nest in. The wren needs one branch.Zhuangzi 1 (Enjoyment in Untroubled Ease)
- No axe comes for what has no use. What could trouble it?Zhuangzi 1 (Enjoyment in Untroubled Ease)
- Am I Zhuang dreaming a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming Zhuang?Zhuangzi 2 (The Adjustment of Controversies)
- Life has a limit. Knowledge has none.Zhuangzi 3 (Nourishing the Lord of Life)
- Nineteen years, thousands of oxen, and the blade still looks new.Zhuangzi 3 (Nourishing the Lord of Life)