Those who are self-righteous will not be respected.
Those who boast achieve very little and don't endure.
Behaving in this way will not bring happiness.
People are despised for their pride and admired for their humility.
Life is a journey of constant strife and endless changes. Sometimes we do not see the forest for the trees. Sometimes we seem to have lost our way. We need the recognition of others in order to find a direction.
Believing we all had tried to exhibit ourselves from time to time, one way or the other. It may seem pointless to be skillful or knowledgeable if it does not result in recognition. But why is the admiration of others so essential? Why do we feel worthless unless we have the praise of others?
Yet, most of us avoid people that we suspect have a narcissistic disposition. These people are often boasting of their achievements and importance in an effort to obtain admiration. They may also become emotionally volatile if the approval they seek is not forthcoming. Their ego is effectively enslaved by the opinions of others. Consequently their sense of self-worth varies wildly, often making any interactions with them very unpleasant.
Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked this easily - weak people, in other words - they stand no chance against his powers.
Nonetheless, who really understands contentment can only come from within. Furthermore, living without either the desire for approval or the fear of rejection, one could be truly free. Then again, who really could live so consciously.
企者不立 He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm;
跨者不行 He who stretches his legs does not walk so easily;
自見者不明 He who displays himself does not shine;
自是者不彰 He who asserts his own views is not distinguished;
自伐者無功 He who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged;
自矜者不長 He who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him.
道德經廿四章
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