天下皆知美之为美，斯恶已。
tiānxià jiē zhī měi zhī wèi měi, sī è yǐ.
If everyone in the world knows that beauty is beautiful, then evil is already there.
Ma Su
This Chinese proverb from Ma Su suggests that if something is universally accepted as good or beautiful, then its opposite, evil or ugliness, must already exist. In the context of SEO, this proverb encourages modern SEO professionals to look beyond the surface level of popular techniques and trends, and consider the potential negative consequences that come with them.
For example, in the past, black hat SEO techniques like keyword stuffing and buying links were widespread and considered effective in boosting search engine rankings. However, over time, search engines like Google have become more sophisticated and penalize websites that use such tactics. Hence, such techniques can now be seen as harmful rather than beneficial.
In essence, this proverb encourages modern SEO professionals to prioritize ethical and sustainable SEO practices, rather than chasing quick gains. The SEO landscape is constantly evolving, and what might seem like a good strategy at one point in time can become detrimental down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in SEO and understand the potential risks and benefits of each technique. By doing so, modern SEO professionals can build a strong and sustainable online presence that will stand the test of time.
