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The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

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he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he isdistinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he hasmerit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior toall. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in theworld who can strive with him.He who, conscious <strong>of</strong> being strong, is content to beweak, he shall be the paragon <strong>of</strong> mankind. Being theparagon <strong>of</strong> mankind, Virtue will never desert him. Hereturns to the state <strong>of</strong> a little child.He who, conscious <strong>of</strong> his own light, is content to beobscure,--he shall be the whole world's model. Being thewhole world's model, his Virtue will never fail. He revertsto the Absolute.He who, conscious <strong>of</strong> desert, is content to sufferdisgrace,--he shall be the cynosure <strong>of</strong> mankind. Beingthe cynosure <strong>of</strong> mankind, his Virtue then is full. Hereturns to perfect simplicity.He who is great must make humility his base. He who ishigh must make lowliness his foundation. Thus, princesand kings in speaking <strong>of</strong> themselves use the terms“lonely," “friendless," “<strong>of</strong> small account." Is not thismaking humility their base?Thus it is that “Some things are increased <strong>by</strong> beingdiminished, others are diminished <strong>by</strong> being increased."What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will makeit the root <strong>of</strong> my teaching.

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