He who knows others is wise,
He who knows himself is enlightened,
He who defeats others is strong,
He who defeats himself is powerful,
He who knows joy is rich,
He who preserves his way is determined.
Be humble, and you will remain entire,
Bend over, and you'll stand up straight,
Empty yourself, and you'll stay filled up,
Wear yourself out, and you'll stay new.
The wise do not exhibit themselves, and so they shine,
They do not make themselves noticeable, and that is why they are noticed,
They are not praised, and that's why they have merit,
And because they' re not competing, no one in the world
can compete with them.
Lao Tse
