Religion
Chapter 24
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
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.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 24.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/23/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 24.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/23/.
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