A : compare to #14, where something (presumably Dao) is also indistinct and confusing, and to #40, where Dao specifically “returns” and “weakens” B : “this” could be referring to observing the action of Dao, or just observing the world in front of you, or to the teachings of the DDJ, or something else – you decide! Cross-references confusing and indistinct : #14 essence : #55 how do I thus know : #54, #57 by means of this : #54, #57 Chapter Twenty Two 曲 則 全 • 枉 則 直 • 窪 則 盈 敝 則 新 • 少 則 得 • 多 則 惑 • 是 以 聖 人 抱 一 [以] 為 天 下 式 不 自 見 故 明 不 自 是 故 彰 不 自 伐 故 有 功 • 不 自 矜 故 長 • (•)夫 唯 不 爭 (•)故 天 下 莫 能 與 之 爭 古 之 所 謂 曲 則 全 者 豈 虛 言 哉 (•) • 誠 全 而 歸 之 What is wrong then becomes whole and perfect. What is bent then becomes straight. What is hollow then becomes filled. What is worn out then becomes new. Have little, then gain. Have too much, then become confused. Thus the sage : Embraces the One, thus serving as an example to the world – He does not display himself, therefore he has insight. Does not consider himself correct, therefore he distinguishes himself. Does not boast about himself, therefore he possesses merit. Does not brag about himself, therefore he endures. Now : only because he does not strive, Therefore no one in the world can strive against him. That which the ancients say : “He who is wrong then becomes whole and perfect” – How can these be empty words? Be truly whole and perfect, and return to it. ♦What is wrong{bent} then becomes whole and perfect. What is bent then becomes straight. ♦What is hollow then becomes filled. ♦What is worn out then becomes new. ♦Have little, then gain. ♦Have too much, then become confused. ♦Thus2 the sage2 : Embraces the One, thus serving as an example to the world2 – He does not display himself, therefore he has insight. [show] [wise,sight] Does not consider himself correct, therefore he distinguishes himself. [manifest,displayàstand out] ♦Does not boast about himself, therefore he possesses merit. Does not brag about himself, therefore he endures{leads}. [boast] [long,forever] ♦Now : only because he does not strive, Therefore no one in the world2 can strive against him. [together with] ♦That which the ancients [they] say : “He who is wrong{bent} then becomes whole and perfect” – How can these be empty words ?