24: Banned If You Boast

24

Those who stand on their toes are not steady.
Those who take long steps cannot keep the pace.
Those who show off do not shine.
Those who are self-righteous are not prominent.
Those who boast are not respected.
Those who praise themselves do not prevail.
To the Way,
Such people are surplus provisions and useless actions.
They are rejected by many.
Therefore:
Those who follow the Way do not remain with them.

Banned If You Boast

The world is full of self-appointed stars. I have a hard time condemning such people, partly because I might be one of them and partly because it's quite understandable, considering the short rat race we have entered by no will of our own...

Here is my full commentary on this Tao Te Ching chapter:
Tao Te Ching Chapter 24 Translation and Commentary