jaimethepooh
09-28-2003, 07:44 AM
The person who is on tiptoes does not stand
The person who straddles does not walk
The person who flaunts oneself is not seen clearly
The person who presumes oneself is not distinguished
The person who praises oneself has no merit
The person who boasts about oneself does not last
Those with the Tao call such things leftover food or tumors
They despise them
Thus, the person who possesses the Tao does not engage in them
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interpretation
The one who stands on tiptoes, in order to raise himself or herself above others, cannot stand for long.
The one who straddles in an exaggerated gait cannot walk any significant distance for long.
The one who shows off himself or herself will, ironically, not be clearly perceived by others.
The one who thinks he or she is always right will not be considered respectable or admirable by others.
The one who incessantly praises himself or herself is not the person with true merit.
The one who is always bragging about his or her achievements is not the person with lasting power.
Those who are on the path of Tao speak of such things as if they were leftover food or useless tumorous growth.
They despise such things and regard them with contempt.
This is why those who possess the Tao do not engage in such activities. They do not show off, presume, or boast.
The person who straddles does not walk
The person who flaunts oneself is not seen clearly
The person who presumes oneself is not distinguished
The person who praises oneself has no merit
The person who boasts about oneself does not last
Those with the Tao call such things leftover food or tumors
They despise them
Thus, the person who possesses the Tao does not engage in them
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interpretation
The one who stands on tiptoes, in order to raise himself or herself above others, cannot stand for long.
The one who straddles in an exaggerated gait cannot walk any significant distance for long.
The one who shows off himself or herself will, ironically, not be clearly perceived by others.
The one who thinks he or she is always right will not be considered respectable or admirable by others.
The one who incessantly praises himself or herself is not the person with true merit.
The one who is always bragging about his or her achievements is not the person with lasting power.
Those who are on the path of Tao speak of such things as if they were leftover food or useless tumorous growth.
They despise such things and regard them with contempt.
This is why those who possess the Tao do not engage in such activities. They do not show off, presume, or boast.