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.