Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 24

Chapter 24 of Tao Te Ching translated by James Legge (1893)

Translation

24. 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.

Practical Reading

Excess energy becomes exhaustion. Over-communication dilutes message. In marketing and leadership, restraint preserves credibility. More is not always better - timing and proportion matter.