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.
