Final answer:
Based on the context and philosophical excerpts provided, the most important teaching of the passage hints at the value of strategic planning and virtue, aligning with option B: 'Think with your head and not with your stomach.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked for the most important teaching of a passage from ‘The Wise Old Man and the Ferocious Leopard.’ Without the specific passage, it's not possible to provide the correct answer. However, we can infer from the general context of the provided excerpts that the teaching could relate to wisdom, strategic thinking, and moral lessons. Extracts from various texts reflect on wisdom, right action, and foresight, such as those by Confucius and other philosophical thoughts presented.
One theme that stands out is the importance of reflection and strategic planning as a basis for action rather than impulsiveness, which is exemplified in phrases like “The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources” and “Move not unless you see an advantage.” These themes emphasize thinking ahead and valuing wisdom over hasty decisions. Another recurrent element is the inherent value of virtue and morality as seen in quotes like “He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions” and “The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.”
If we consider the philosophy and teachings spread across the excerpts, the central teaching leans towards the concept of choosing actions wisely and emphasizing moral virtue. Therefore, it seems that option B, "Think with your head and not with your stomach," would align most closely with the idea of making decisions based on wisdom and morality. Hence, the mention of the correct option answer in the final answer would be option B.