Yield and remain whole;
Bend and remain straight.
Be empty and remain full.
Be worn and remain anew.
Own little and be replete.
Own much and be restless.
Therefore the Sage embraces the One
And sets an example for the whole world.
He does not display himself,
And so he shines;
He does not display himself,
And so he shines;
He does not defend himself,
And so he is distinguished;
He does not swagger,
And so he never stumbles;
He does not exult,
And so he excels.
He does not contend,
And so the world cannot contend with him.
The ancient adage “Yield and remain whole”
Is not empty assertion.
Be truly whole
And all things will come to you.
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, 22