ChineseStudy

28. Returning to Simplicity

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English translation

Know the strong and assertive, yet hold to the receptive and gentle, and become a valley for the world.

One understands strength without needing to display it. Like a low valley that gathers water, receptiveness can hold and sustain more than forcefulness can.

Become a valley for the world, and enduring integrity will not leave you; you will return to the simplicity of an infant.

By remaining receptive and taking the lower place, one does not spend inner strength in competition. Returning to the infant means recovering simplicity before it is over-shaped by calculation and desire.

Know what is bright and visible, yet hold to what is dark and hidden, and become a pattern for the world.

Clear understanding need not be put on display. By also making room for what is obscure and unshown, one becomes a steadier and more complete model.

Be a model for all under heaven, and enduring integrity will not go astray; one returns to what has no limit.

A true model does not depend on self-display. By holding steadily to integrity, one moves beyond narrow boundaries.

Know honor, yet remain with humility; become the valley of all under heaven.

One understands recognition without chasing a high position. Like a valley receiving streams, humility makes room for others.

Become the valley of all under heaven, and enduring integrity will be abundant; one returns to the uncarved state.

By staying low and receptive, one does not waste integrity in contention. The uncarved state is simplicity before desire and artifice divide it.

When the uncarved whole is divided, it becomes useful vessels. The sage employs them and becomes the leader of officials. Thus, great ordering does not sever the whole.

Roles and institutions each have a use, but good leadership keeps their shared basis in view. It uses distinctions without letting them fragment the whole.

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