24. What Cannot Last
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
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。
English translation
One who stands on tiptoe is not steady; one who takes oversized strides does not travel far; one who displays himself is not clearly seen; one who insists he is right does not stand out; one who boasts has no lasting achievement; one who exalts himself does not endure.
In movement and in conduct, overreaching sacrifices stability. The urge to elevate oneself also undermines real ability and accomplishment.
Original Chinese text
其在道也，曰：余食赘行。
English translation
From the standpoint of the Way, these are called leftover food and needless encumbrances.
Self-display and overdone effort add no real value; like excess food or an unwanted growth, they become burdens instead.
Original Chinese text
物或恶之，故有道者不处。
English translation
People often dislike such things; therefore, one who follows the Way does not dwell in them.
Since excess and self-display provoke resistance and prevent endurance, a person guided by the Way does not make them a way of life.