“ He who boasts of what he will do succeeds in nothing; He who is proud of his work, achieves nothing that endures. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | work boasting |
| Date | |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Arthur Waley |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/waley.html |
Context
“'He who stands on tip-toe, does not stand firm;
He who takes the longest strides, does not walk the fastest.”
He who does his own looking sees little,
He who defines himself is not therefore distinct.
He who boasts of what he will do succeeds in nothing;
He who is proud of his work, achieves nothing that endures.
Of these, from the standpoint of the Way, it is said:
“Pass round superfluous dishes to those that have already had enough,
And no creature but will reject them in disgust.”
That is why he that possesses Tao does not linger.”
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