Chapter 38
Those in ancient times who attained the One: Heaven attained the One and thereby became clear; Earth attained the One and thereby became tranquil; Spirits attained the One and thereby became numinous; Valleys attained the One and thereby became full; The myriad things attained the One and thereby came to life; Lords and kings attained the One and thereby became the standard for all under heaven.
Taking this to its logical conclusion: If Heaven had no means to be clear, it would likely crack apart; If Earth had no means to be tranquil, it would likely burst forth in upheaval; If spirits had no means to be numinous, they would likely cease; If valleys had no means to be full, they would likely run dry; If the myriad things had no means to live, they would likely perish; If lords and kings had no means to be noble and high, they would likely stumble and fall.
Therefore, the noble takes the lowly as its root; the high takes the low as its foundation.
This is why lords and kings call themselves 'the orphaned,' 'the widowed,' and 'the unworthy.'
Is this not taking the lowly as the root?
Is it not so?
Therefore, pursuing frequent praise results in no praise at all.
Do not desire to be lustrous like jade, nor rugged like common stone.