道德经英文版 The Tao-te Ching Chapter 24

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished1; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited2 has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour3 on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.

企者不立，跨者不行。

自见者不明，

自是者不彰，

自伐者无功，

自矜者不长。

其在道也，曰余食赘行。

物或恶之，故有道者不处。

【译文】

踮着脚尖立不稳，张着双腿难成行。执求成名的，不明于道;自以为是的，不善辨析;自我夸耀的，少有事功;自我矜持的，难以长久。这些做法比之于道的理想范式，实在是一种撑胀而拖沓的行为。一般存在也有不这样的，所以，奉行完善的在途规范的人绝不这样。

1 distinguished        

adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的

参考例句：

Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。

A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。

2 conceited        

adj.自负的，骄傲自满的

参考例句：

He could not bear that they should be so conceited.他们这样自高自大他受不了。

I'm not as conceited as so many people seem to think.我不像很多人认为的那么自负。

3 tumour        

n.(tumor)(肿)瘤，肿块

参考例句：

The surgeons operated on her for a tumour.外科医生为她施行了肿瘤切除手术。

The tumour constricts the nerves.肿瘤压迫神经。