“ The man of highest humanity, though he acts, is not regarded; Whereas a man of even the highest morality both acts and is so regarded ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | humanity morality |
| Date | |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Arthur Waley |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/waley.html |
Context
“cannot rid it of the appearance of “power”;
Therefore he is in truth without “power”.
The man of highest “power” neither acts nor is there any who so regards him;
The man of inferior “power” both acts and is so regarded.
The man of highest humanity, though he acts, is not regarded;
Whereas a man of even the highest morality both acts and is so regarded;
While even he who is best versed in ritual not merely acts,
But if people fail to respond
Then he will pull up his sleeves and advance upon them.
That is why it is said:
“After Tao was lost, then came the 'power';”
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