Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully; during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be watchful.”
- Source
- The Dhammapada
- Date
- ancient
- English wording
- F. Max Müller — Translator · from Pali
Meaning of “If a man hold himself dear, let him…”
Holding oneself dear is expressed as careful stewardship rather than indulgence: valuing the self creates a reason to remain attentive to one’s conduct and direction.
Where does it come from?
Dhammapada 157, Chapter XII “Self,” in Max Müller’s translation; the verse explicitly joins self-regard with watchfulness and ethical discipline.
