The Tao Te Ching

Chapter 45

James Legge, 1891 · 2 paragraphs · Read at the source

45.11. Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide. Do thou what's straight still crooked deem; Thy greatest art still stupid seem, And eloquence a stammering scream.

45.2Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven.