Hence the superior man
observes the people that he employs
at a distance
to ascertain their trustworthiness
and when employed near
observes them to test their respect.

By assigning them difficult tasks,
he tests their ability; by questioning
them unexpectedly, he tests their knowledge;
by designating an urgent task, he tests their
commitment; by entrusting them with wealth,
he tests their benevolence; by telling them of danger,
he tests their self-discipline; by making them drink,
he tests their tendencies;
by placing them in society amidst various people,
he tests their fidelity.

By these nine tests the unworthy man will be uncovered.

Zhuangzi trans. by Hyun Höchmann, and Yang Guorong Book 32 Lie Yukou

In retrospect how was your spring holiday? I mean the ultimate weekend of spring-break on the cusp of returning to one’s job, or return to the classroom for the push toward completion of the term in June? The look into the rear mirror gives us perspective of where-one-has-been. How impossible to see clearly when one is in the “midst of the fight.” 

Only by observation at a distance can one take the measure of another. Perhaps the same is true of ourselves. A sober assessment of how one felt, how one performed happens after the fact.

Consider this inflection point described by Zhuangzi. What if you and I are both observer and the observed? To take account of the self, of how far one has come, what capability, or strength remains to be developed?  No one, as if “magic” or endowed by the gods, is gifted ex nihilo with knowledge. commitment, faithfulness etc.. All dimensions of character take self-care, discipline, resolve – the process of self-creation demanding the arc of a lifetime of effort. 

As the saying goes: Unlike school, in life you take the test first – then comes the lesson.

Be well!

How can we continue our journey without a song?! This one performed by Terri Nunn and Berlin, capture the exhilaration and the hazard of life: Take My Breath Away.