Wrath beyond measure produces estrangement and untimely kindness destroys authority. Be neither so harsh as to disgust the people with thee nor so mild as to embolden them. <br /> <br /> Severity and mildness together are best <br /> Like a bleeder who is a surgeon and also applies a salve. <br /> A wise man uses neither severity to excess <br /> Nor mildness; for it lessens his authority. <br /> He neither exalts himself too much <br /> Nor exposes himself at once to contempt. <br /> A youth said to his father: ‘O wise man, <br /> Give me for instruction one advice like an aged person.’ <br /> He said: ‘Be kind but not to such a degree <br /> That a sharp-toothed wolf may become audacious.’<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-08-on-rules-for-conduct-in-life-admonition-10/
