The negativity and positivity of the Tao

To yield is to be preserved whole. To be bent is to become straight. To be low is to be filled. To be worn out is to be renewed. To have little is to gain. To have too much is to be confused. So the sage holds fast to the Tao and becomes a model for the world. He does not show himself off, so he shines. He does not insist he is right, so he is recognized. He does not boast, so he succeeds. He does not exalt himself, so he lasts. Because he does not compete, no one in the world can compete with him. The old saying, “Yield, and you will be preserved whole”—is it just empty words? No. It truly keeps you safe and brings you back to the Tao.