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Daoism -> Zhuangzi -> Inner Chapters -> The Great and Most Honoured Master -> 1.5

The True men of old
presented the aspect of judging others aright, but without being partisans;
of feeling their own insufficiency, but being without flattery or cringing.
Their peculiarities were natural to them, but they were not obstinately attached to them;
their humility was evident, but there was nothing of unreality or display about it.
Their placidity and satisfaction had the appearance of joy;
their every movement seemed to be a necessity to them.
Their accumulated attractiveness drew men's looks to them;
their blandness fixed men's attachment to their virtue.
They seemed to accommodate themselves to the (manners of their age),
but with a certain severity; their haughty indifference was beyond its control.
Unceasing seemed their endeavours to keep (their mouths) shut;
when they looked down, they had forgotten what they wished to say.
They considered punishments to be the substance (of government, and they never incurred it);
ceremonies to be its supporting wings (and they always observed them);
wisdom (to indicate) the time (for action, and they always selected it);
and virtue to be accordance (with others), and they were all-accordant.
Considering punishments to be the substance (of government),
yet their generosity appeared in the (manner of their) infliction of death.
Considering ceremonies to be its supporting wings,
they pursued by means of them their course in the world.
Considering wisdom to indicate the time (for action),
they felt it necessary to employ it in (the direction of) affairs.
Considering virtue to be accordance (with others),
they sought to ascend its height along with all who had feet (to climb it).
(Such were they), and yet men really thought that they did what they did by earnest effort.
In this way they were one and the same in all their likings and dislikings.
Where they liked, they were the same;
where they did not like, they were the same.
In the former case where they liked,
they were fellow-workers with the Heavenly (in them);
in the latter where they disliked,
they were co-workers with the Human in them.
The one of these elements (in their nature) did not overcome the other.
Such were those who are called the True men.


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