Return animosity with virtue.

What should be shrunken must first be stretched.

Those who act will fail. Those who seize will lose.

For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.

The sage wears clothes of coarse cloth but carries jewels in his bosom; He knows himself but does not display himself; He loves himself but does not hold himself in high esteem.

Standing on "tip toe", one stands not firmly. Straining in stride, one cannot walk far. Flaunting of deeds, one is unfavorably noticed. Being self-righteous, one is not respected. Boasting of self, one's merit is unrecognized. Glorifying of self, one loses the opportunity for greatness. From the viewpoint of Tao These represent imperfect Te, Valued as are filth or disease.

The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.