Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and manifests it to all the world. He is free from self-display, and therefore he shines; from self-assertion, and therefore he is distinguished; from self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged; from self-complacency, and therefore he acquires superiority. It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him.Tao Te Ching 22.2 · Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching 22.2
Tao Te Ching · translated by James Legge
Themes in this passage
HumilityCompassionPrideWisdomGratitudeSelf-ControlCourageStrength
Humility in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Hellenism address it.
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;Ephesians 4:2 · Bible · Ephesians
"Let time and place thy thoughts employ: In woe be strong, be meek in joy. Accept both pain and pleasure, still Obedient to Sugriva's will. Thou hast, my darling, from the first With tender care been softly nursed; But harder days, if thou wouldst win Sugriva's love, must now begin. To those who hate him ne'er incline, Nor count his foe a friend of thine. In all thy thoughts his welfare seek, Obedient, lowly, faithful, meek. Let no rash suit his bosom pain, Nor yet from due requests abstain.(608) Each is a grievous fault, between The two is found the happy mean."Ramayana 4.134 · Ramayana · 4
They fall down on their faces, weeping, and it increaseth humility in them.Quran 17:109 · Quran
He said, nor answer’d Priam’s warlike son; When Helen thus with lowly grace begun:Iliad 6.33 · Iliad · 6
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