27. Mouth-Corners

The Lines
Bottom. [9] A man who is in a situation to live simply and whose nature permits him to enjoy
the freedom that comes from not being attached to material things and the worldly life,
nevertheless abandons such a tranquil existence and turns with desire and envy to look
upon those who are better off than he is in their material circumstances. Whereas those persons
previously had some measure of respect for his simplicity and his choice of moderation,
his lowering himself from his former state of tranquility only produces their disgust
and derogation. What was previously respectable has been turned into the weak grasping
after something undeserved. This turn toward inferior sentiments can produce nothing but
failure.
2. [6] By nature, every man is an independent entity, attending to his personal needs, making
decisions that affect himself personally, and making plans for his own continued existence.
Under certain circumstances, when he is unable to look after those things for himself,
his family or the community or those with a duty to take care of people who cannot care for
themselves, step in and assist the man. If, on the other hand, the man is capable of taking
care of himself, but refuses to do so out of indolence and instead relies on the kindness of
others to perform that function, he puts himself in an awkward, dependent position and he
dishonors his standing as a responsible human being. He loses his self-respect and also the
respect of others. If he persists in this, he will enter upon a path of decline, leading to unhappiness
and misfortune.
3. [6] The man who wastes himself on trivialities will find himself overcome with dissatisfaction,
because he fails to fill his life with the things that nourish the spirit. He turns away
from doing things that enrich the lives of others, or from working on things that enrich his
own life, and instead devotes himself to amusements and diversions that have no substance.
While such things pass the time and may bring momentary pleasure, they provide
nothing that enables the man to connect to his fellow man in a significant way. He contributes
nothing that is beneficial to others, and he does nothing that would make himself a
more capable person. Instead he goes from one form of pleasure to another, foolishly
thinking that his inner needs will be satisfied by such emptiness. Every man should enjoy a
short respite from his labors now and then, and indulge in some form of relaxation that is
pleasurable and entertaining. But to make diversion the whole focus of one's life will only
lead the man downhill.
4. [6] A man in a responsible position has aims and goals that occupy his thoughts and energies.
He enjoys what he is doing, and there are big things he wishes to accomplish. But
the enterprise that so engages his attention is more than he can do alone, and he is always
looking out for helpers who can contribute their knowledge, talents, or experiences to the
effort.