(Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure).In most cases, Legge's antiquated phraseology doesn't capture the essence of the lines of the Tao Te Ching as well as the next two, but, in this case, I think he acquits himself rather well.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
A truly good man is not aware of his goodness,
And is therefore good.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
High virtue is not virtuous
Therefore it has virtue
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
People with integrity
don't even think about it.
That's how you can tell
they have integrity.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
When we are focused on promoting or advertising our prowess, knowledge or skill, it shows that we are not fully attentive to the matter at hand. Part of our attention is given to satisfy the cravings of the ego and that portion -- regardless of its size -- prohibits us from realizing the full measure of our potential.
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