Chapter 72
When Fear Goes Missing
72.1. When the people do not fear what they ought to fear, that which
is their great dread will come on them.
2.Let them not thoughtlessly indulge themselves in their ordinary
life; let them not act as if weary of what that life depends on.
3.It is by avoiding such indulgence that such weariness does not
arise.
4.Therefore the sage knows (these things) of himself, but does not
parade (his knowledge); loves, but does not (appear to set a) value
on, himself. And thus he puts the latter alternative away and makes
choice of the former.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Create Your Early Warning System
Think of one area of your life where you tend to ignore warning signs until they become crises. Design a simple early warning system - specific signs to watch for and regular check-in times. For example, if you ignore relationship problems, you might schedule monthly 'temperature checks' to discuss any brewing issues before they explode.
Consider:
- •What warning signs do you typically dismiss as 'probably nothing'?
- •When are you most likely to ignore red flags (when tired, stressed, busy)?
- •What would catching problems early cost you versus dealing with them in crisis mode?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you ignored warning signs and paid a higher price later. What early intervention could have changed the outcome? How will you recognize this pattern next time it appears?
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