27

"Able travelers leave no ruts or tracks along the way; Able speakers make no gaffes that might occasion reproach; Able reckoners have no use for tallies or counting sticks; Able sealers make no use of bolts or latches yet what they close off cannot be opened. Able cinchers make no use of ropes or cords yet their knots cannot be undone. It is for this reason that the sages in being really good at turning others to account Have no need to reject anyone, And in dealing with property, Have no need to reject anything. This is what is called following their natural acuity (ming). Thus able persons are teachers of the able While the inept provide them with raw materials. While perhaps wise enough, Those who fail to honor their teachers and to be sparing with their raw materials Have gotten themselves utterly lost. This is what is called being subtle and getting to the essentials."