Chapter 24 · Tiptoe Does Not Stand Firm

Tao Te Ching (Legge, 1891) · chapter title added by Learn the Dao

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The chapter’s first line

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm;

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This chapter in plain modern English — David Kooi’s rendering ↓

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.

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he who is self-conceited has — missed no superiority allowed to him

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Chapter 24, in a second rendering

Up on Your Toes

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Up on your toes, you can't stand for long. Taking giant strides, you can't actually walk. Show off and nobody really sees you. Insist you're right and you lose the room. Brag and the work doesn't count for much. Strut and it won't last. From the Dao's point of view, all of that is leftovers and dead weight - the kind of thing that just makes people sick of you. So if you're running on the Dao, you skip it.

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