the i-ching on balance & foresight

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'When water in a kettle hangs over fire, the two elements stand in relation
and thus generate energy (cf. the production of steam). But the resulting
tension demands caution. If the water boils over, the fire is extinguished an
its energy is lost. If the heat is too great, the water evaporates into the air.

These elements here brought in to relation and thus generating energy are by
nature hostile to each other. Only the most extreme caution can prevent
damage.

In life too there are junctures when all forces are in balance and
work in harmony, so that everything seems to be in the best of order.

In such times.. [it is important to] recognize the moments that bode danger
and know how to banish it by means of timely precautions.'

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63. Chi Chi / After Completion
(adopted form the wilhelm version of the iching)