Chapter 24

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 distinguished¹; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited² has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour³ on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.

       企者不立，跨者不行。
       自见者不明，
       自是者不彰，
       自伐者无功，
       自矜者不长。
       其在道也，曰余食赘行。
       物或恶之，故有道者不处。

【译文】
        踮着脚尖立不稳，张着双腿难成行。执求成名的，不明于道；自以为是的，不善辨析；自我夸耀的，少有事功；自我矜持的，难以长久。这些做法比之于道的理想范式，实在是一种撑胀而拖沓的行为。一般存在也有不这样的，所以，奉行完善的在途规范的人绝不这样。

1 distinguished   

adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的

参考例句：

• Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。
• A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。

2 conceited   

adj.自负的，骄傲自满的

参考例句：

• He could not bear that they should be so conceited.他们这样自高自大他受不了。
• I'm not as conceited as so many people seem to think.我不像很多人认为的那么自负。

3 tumour   

n.(tumor)(肿)瘤，肿块

参考例句：

• The surgeons operated on her for a tumour.外科医生为她施行了肿瘤切除手术。
• The tumour constricts the nerves.肿瘤压迫神经。