Chapter 24 of the Dao De Jing deconstructs human vanity through paradoxical aphorisms.
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 distinguished; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Dao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Dao do not adopt and allow them.
Behaviors such as self-proclamation, arrogance, self-praise, and haughtiness, violate the guiding principle of Chapter 22:
“Not displaying oneself, thus one is illuminated”;
“Not asserting oneself, thus one becomes distinguished.”
Counterproductive Effort
The more one strives to stand out, the more genuine value dissipates.
Toxic Self-Referentiality
The self-centered mind creates artificial dualities.
Contrast with the Sage’s Wu Wo (Absence of Self)
“Achieves without claiming, acts without controlling.”
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