Verse 38: Discussing Integrity
Superior integrity is not virtuous,
this is how it has integrity.
Inferior integrity does not lose virtue,
this is how it lacks integrity.
Superior integrity is not virtuous,
this is how it has integrity.
Inferior integrity does not lose virtue,
this is how it lacks integrity.
The Great Dao is boundless
It can be either left or right.
Completion follows events,
it cannot be claimed as a possession.
Excellent force
is a tool of ill omen.
Phenomenon dislikes it,
therfore desire does not claim it.
Prudence is the root of ease,
Stillness rules over anxiety.
Earth shapes Identities
Heaven shapes Earth.
Dao shapes heaven.
Weaving the Way shapes the Dao.
Gloating is not authority.
Self-promotion is not approval.
Showing off is not shining.
Pride is not success.
Arrogance is not memorable.
Shh! Just do it.
Morning winds fade.
The rainy day ends.
What makes it like this?
Nature.
Nothing Nature does lasts long,
How can what people do be any different?
True virtue’s appearance
is only from the Dao.
The Dao’s form is vague and indistinct.
“Yeah” and “YES!”
how far apart are they?
Delightful and repulsive,
what really makes them different?
End “knowing” and abandon debates.
The people will prosper 100-fold.
End competition and abandon profiteering.
Thieves will disappear.