Chapter 24
第二十四章
He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily).
企者不立,跨者不行,
(So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished;
自见者不明,自是者不彰。
he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him.
自伐者无功,自矜者不长。
Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour on the body, which all dislike.
其在道也,曰余食赘行。物或恶之,
Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.
故有道者不处也。