Chapter 37
IndexThe highest virtue is not virtuous, and thus has virtue; the lower virtue never loses sight of virtue, and thus is without virtue.
The highest virtue acts without action and has no reason to act; the lower virtue acts and has reason to act.
The highest benevolence acts, yet without purpose; the highest righteousness acts, but with purpose.
When the highest ritual is performed and no one responds, it rolls up its sleeves and resorts to 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 arises.
Now, ritual is the thinning of loyalty and trustworthiness, and the beginning of disorder.
Foreknowledge is the flowery embellishment of the Way, and the beginning of folly.
Therefore, the great person dwells in the substantial, not in the superficial; resides in the fruit, not in the flower.
Therefore, reject that and choose this.