Confucius's dictum advised that when the Emperor was evil, people should become recluses - people, like hermits, who live alone and avoid contact with others.
There is an admitted bumper-sticker quality to dictum like that, but compared with the familiar age-related wisdom-take it slow, watch your diet, stay cheerful-it's bracing.
As with many of Mr Trump's dictums, the legality of the president's latest orders is questionable, though they undoubtedly create uncertainty for the companies involved.