Chapter 77

Is not the Way of Heaven like the drawing of a bow? What is high is brought low, what is low is raised up; what is excessive is reduced, what is deficient is supplemented. The Way of Heaven reduces what is excessive and supplements what is deficient. The way of humans is not so—it reduces the deficient to offer to the excessive. Who can take what is excessive and offer it to all under heaven? Only one who possesses the Way can do this. Therefore, the sage acts without relying on his own ability, accomplishes achievements without dwelling on them, and does not wish to display his own worthiness.