The Need to Win


When an archer is shooting for nothing
He has all his skill.
If he shoots for a brass buckle
He is already nervous.
If shoots for a prize of gold
He goes blind
Or sees two targets--
He is out of his mind!

His skill has not changed. But the prize
Divides him. He cares.
He thinks more of winning
Than of shooting--
And the need to win
Drains him of power.

Chuang Tzu (300 - 400 B.C.)