DIANJI · 典籍

Tao Te Ching · Chapter 24

A source-aware reading page for Tao Te Ching Chapter 24.

企者不立,
跨者不行,自見者不明,自是者不彰,自伐者無功,自矜者不長。其在道也,曰餘食贅行。
物或惡之,故有道者不處。

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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