Self restraint of Tao

Those who stand on tiptoe cannot stay steady;

those who stride too far cannot go long.

Those who show off themselves cannot shine;

those who assert themselves cannot stand out;

those who boast of themselves achieve no merit;

those who pride themselves cannot endure.

To the Dao, such behaviors

are like leftover food or useless growths—

even nature detests them.

Thus, those who follow the Dao do not engage in them.

(This chapter criticizes impulsive, selfpromoting behaviors. Laozi argues that such actions violate the natural laws of the Dao, leading not to lasting success but to failure. Those who follow the Dao embrace humility and gentleness, avoiding excessive selfdisplay and arrogance.)

Key Concepts:

企者不立 (qǐ zhě bù lì) – “those who stand on tiptoe cannot stay steady” (the instability of overreaching).

自见者不明 (zì jiàn zhě bù míng) – “those who show off themselves cannot shine” (the futility of selfpromotion).

馀食赘形 (yú shí zhuì xíng) – “leftover food or useless growths” (metaphors for unnecessary and harmful behaviors).

Core Philosophy:

Laozi warns against the dangers of overreaching and selfaggrandizement. Such behaviors disrupt harmony and lead to instability. By contrast, those who align with the Dao practice humility and restraint, achieving lasting success through natural, effortless action. This chapter reinforces the value of modesty and the rejection of excess.