Line by Line - Verse 30, Lines 10-11

(No corresponding line)
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Achieve results,
But never boast.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Achieves result but does not flaunt
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

(No corresponding line)
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

These lines are very similar to the previous two. Looking at Derek Lin's phraseology, one reason why it is good not to flaunt what we have accomplished is the simple fact we each have failures as well. So, while we might like to parade our successes under other people's noses, a time will come -- it may be just around the corner -- when our efforts prove to be far less successful.

It is far better always to give our best efforts in all we do and then to allow the chips to fall where they may.

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