by Jean Delville, (1934)
~*~
Tao Te Ching Chapter 24
translator: J H McDonald
Those who stand on tiptoes
do not stand firmly.
Those who rush ahead
don’t get very far.
Those who try to out shine others
dim their own light.
Those who call themselves righteous
can’t know how wrong they are.
Those who boast of their accomplishments
diminishes the things they have done.
Compared to the Tao, these actions are unworthy. If we are to follow the Tao, we must not do these things.
Tao Te Ching Chapter 78
Translator: J Legge
There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it;–for there is nothing (so effectual) for which it can be changed.
Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice.
Therefore a sage has said,
‘He who accepts his state’s reproach,
Is hailed therefore its altars’ lord;
To him who bears men’s direful woes
They all the name of King accord.’
Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.