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.

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。

【译文】

踮着脚尖立不稳，张着双腿难成行。执求成名的，不明于道；自以为是的，不善辨析；自我夸耀的，少有事功；自我矜持的，难以长久。这些做法比之于道的理想范式，实在是一种撑胀而拖沓的行为。一般存在也有不这样的，所以，奉行完善的在途规范的人绝不这样。