Mencius. Book VII: Tsin Sin. Part I. Chapter XXIX.
Legge's summary: Only that labour is to be prized which accomplishes its object.
Mencius said, 'A man with definite aims to be accomplished may be compared to one digging a well. To dig the well to a depth of seventy-two cubits, and stop without reaching the spring, is after all throwing away the well.'
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Translated by
James Legge, published in 1861 and revised for publication in 1895. Prepared as etext by Stephen R. McIntyre. Noded by
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