Chapter 37
Superior virtue does not grasp at virtue, and thus truly possesses virtue; inferior virtue never lets go of virtue, and thus lacks true virtue.
Superior virtue acts without forcing and has no ulterior motive; inferior virtue acts deliberately and has an agenda behind it.
Superior benevolence acts deliberately yet without ulterior motive; superior righteousness acts deliberately and has an agenda behind it.
Superior ritual propriety acts deliberately, and when no one responds, it rolls up its sleeves and compels compliance by force.
Thus, when the Way is lost, virtue arises; when virtue is lost, benevolence arises; when benevolence is lost, righteousness arises; when righteousness is lost, ritual propriety arises.
Now ritual propriety - it is the thinning of loyalty and trust, and the beginning of disorder.
Foreknowledge - it is the flower of the Way, and the beginning of foolishness.
Therefore the person of great stature dwells in the thick, not residing in the thin; dwells in the substantial, not residing in the flower.
Therefore, reject that and choose this.