Interpretation: This chapter is about the way of self-protection, focusing on health preservation. Greed for fame and fortune, too many selfish desires, will cause endless harm. Because, when things are strong, they are old, and when they are extremely prosperous, they will decline. If you are arrogant and sharp-edged, you will be frustrated, you will rebel, and you will not be able to protect yourself for long. Jade is a rare commodity, which will inevitably lead to competition; Wealth is what everyone wants, and it will inevitably lead to disaster. Therefore, retiring after success and protecting yourself is the correct way to keep in good health. Just like the cycle of four seasons in nature.
The phrase "it is better to persist than to have it" means that if you do something too full, you can't do it anymore, so you should put it down at the right time. This teaching of Laozi was called "the precept of holding fullness" by later generations. The word "full" is taboo in China. The full moon is indispensable, and Bloom is grateful. In other words, when everything reaches the peak, there is no room for manoeuvre, and then it will go downhill. For example, swimming, when swimming in the past, you have to leave half your strength to swim back; The company should keep enough cash flow to meet the needs of turnover and not make the best decision; For example, if you win the war again and again, the monarch will be proud and ambitious, all the money of the country will be invested in the war, and the people's resentment will reach the extreme, so it is not far from national subjugation.
So, don't make things too full, leave some room for yourself. Don't overuse your body, but leave room for your health. In this way, if you know that "it is better to persist than to have it", you can have a smoother and calmer life.