Yield and overcome

[Guest guest]

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Yield and overcome;

Bend and be straight;

Empty and be full;

Wear out and be new;

Have little and gain;

Have much and be confused.

 

Therefore wise men embrace the one

and set an example to all.

Not putting on a display,

They shine forth.

Not justifying themselves,

They are distinguished.

Not bosting,

They receive recogntion.

Not bragging,

They never falter.

They do not quarrel,

So no one quarrels with them.

Therefore the ancients say, " Yield and overcome. "

Is that an empty saying?

Be really whole,

And all things will come to you.

 

- Lao-tzu

 

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Tao Te Ching

Translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English

Vintage Books Edition, September 1972