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38

"To assume virtue without being really virtuous is to be virtuous from duty; To be less virtuous, yet not to lose real virtue, is to be virtuous from Inner Life. Supreme virtue comes through activity of Inner Life; then let us actively seek Inner Life. TO be less virtuous and to practice it, let us be active in the performance of duty. To assume benevolence and practice it let us actively seek Inner Life. To assume right conduct and practice it let us be active in the performance of duty. To assume expediency and practice it is to find that no one honours it; then it bares the arm, and asserts itself by force. Therefore, when Tao is lost, follow Virtue; when virtue is lost, follow benevolence; when benevolence is lost, follow right conduct; when right conduct is lost, follow expediency. Those who are Masters of expediency have in the heart only the shadow of faith; and in the mind only confusion. Those who are Leaders of politeness have only the husk of Tao, which is the source of ignorance. That is why the greatest of the Masters abide in the real, They do not abide in the shadow. They hold to the fruit, they do not hold to the husk. Therefore they put away the latter and take hold of the former."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"To assume virtue without being really virtuous is to be virtuous from duty; To be less virtuous, yet not to lose real virtue, is to be virtuous from Inner Life. Supreme virtue comes through activity of Inner Life; then let us actively seek Inner Life. TO be less virtuous and to practice it, let us be active in the performance of duty. To assume benevolence and practice it let us actively seek Inner Life. To assume right conduct and practice it let us be active in the performance of duty. To assume expediency and practice it is to find that no one honours it; then it bares the arm, and asserts itself by force. Therefore, when Tao is lost, follow Virtue; when virtue is lost, follow benevolence; when benevolence is lost, follow right conduct; when right conduct is lost, follow expediency. Those who are Masters of expediency have in the heart only the shadow of faith; and in the mind only confusion. Those who are Leaders of politeness have only the husk of Tao, which is the source of ignorance. That is why the greatest of the Masters abide in the real, They do not abide in the shadow. They hold to the fruit, they do not hold to the husk. Therefore they put away the latter and take hold of the former."

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