He who boasts about himself is without merit. He who brags about himself does not endure. He who lives in Dao – Calls these leftover food and unnecessary behavior. Creatures detest them, no matter what. Therefore : he who possesses Dao does not live by them. Twenty five Something existed unformed yet complete, Before heaven and earth were created. Silent! Empty! Standing alone, not changing. It circulates everywhere, and causes no danger. It can be considered the mother of the world. I do not know its name; Its symbol is called Dao. If I tried to make its name, I would call it great. Being great speaks of departing. Departing speaks of being remote. Being remote speaks of returning. Dao is great, Heaven is great, Earth is great, The king is also great. Within the realm exist four that are great, And the king resides as one of them! People follow the earth. The earth follows heaven. Heaven follows Dao. Dao follows what is naturally so. Twenty eight Know your maleness, but maintain your femaleness. Serve as a stream to the world. Serving as a stream to the world, The ever-constant De will not depart, Returning you to the state of the newborn infant. Know your brightness, but maintain your darkness. Serve as an example to the world. Serving as an example to the world, The ever-constant De will not falter, Returning you to the state of the limitless. Know your honor, but maintain your disgrace. Serve as a valley to the world. Serving as a valley to the world, The ever-constant De will then be sufficient, Returning you to the state of the uncarved block. When the uncarved block is broken up, then it becomes tools. When the sage uses it, then he becomes the senior government official. Therefore : the greatest cutting does not divide. Thirty He who uses Dao to assist the master of the people Does not use weapons or strength on the world, For his troubles would likely return – In the dwelling places of armies, thorns and brambles are produced, And so what is left behind a great army must have a bad year. He who has virtue gets results and stops. He does not dare to take by using strength. He gets results, but never brags. Gets results, but never boasts. Gets results, but is not arrogant. Gets results, but only when he has no choice. Gets results, but never uses strength. When creatures are robust but old, This is called “not Dao”. That which is “not Dao” has an early finish. Thirty one Now : fine weapons, they are not tools of good fortune. Creatures detest them, no matter what. Therefore : he who possesses Dao does not live by them. When a noble man is in his dwelling, then he honors the left. When he commands troops, then he honors the right.