Tao Te Ching: Chapter 24

Updated November 13, 2019 | Infoplease Staff
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 23
Chapter 25

Chapter 24

1

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.

 
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