Chapter 24
Excess and Indulgence
企者不立；
跨者不行。
自见者不明；
自是者不彰；
自伐者无功；
自矜者不长。
其在道也，曰余食赘行。
物或恶之，故有道者不处。
James Legge · 1891 · Public domain
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.