The well-known Chinese saying, “When water is too clear, there are no fish; when a person scrutinizes too closely, he will have no companions,” comes from the Da Dai Li Ji (Records of Rites by the Elder Dai), in the chapter “Zi Zhang Asks About Entering Public Office.”
The saying teaches that excessive scrutiny and harshness can drive people away. It reminds us to practice tolerance, consider others’ circumstances, and not focus only on our own interests and personal gains and losses.
When water is too clear, there are no fish
Zi Zhang once asked Confucius about the principles of serving in government. His answer pointed beyond government to a broader principle of human conduct.
Fish are reluctant to remain in water that is perfectly clear because they are left completely exposed and can easily be caught. The image is therefore more than an observation about the natural world; it also serves as a warning about how we treat others.
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