Line by Line - Verse 67, Line 11

the hindmost place, and seek only to be foremost;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

They do not believe in humility, but always try to be first.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Goes ahead but discards being behind
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They act like leaders,
but they have no sense of modesty.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

I think almost everyone who has ever held a job has had to put up with coworkers and supervisors who exhibit a "me first" attitude. These are the kinds of individuals who will backstab you at the drop of a hat and engage in all sorts of slanderous gossip. Many are not above cheating or dishonesty -- all is fair for them (not you) because being the top dog is all that matters.

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