24
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.
