24-Mitchell
He who stands on tiptoe
doesn’t stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn’t go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can’t know who he really is.
He who has power over others
can’t empower himself.
He who clings to his work
will create nothing that endures.
If you want to accord with the Tao,
just do your job, then let go.
24-Walker
A man who tiptoes can't stand
A man who straddles can't walk
A man who shows off can't shine
A man who justifies his actions isn't respected
A man who boasts of his achievements has no merit
A man who brags will not endure
To a person of Tao, these things are
excess food and superfluous behavior
Because nothing good can come of them
he doesn't indulge in them
