These things from ancient times arise from one:
The sky is whole and clear.
The earth is whole and firm.
The spirit is whole and strong.
The valley is whole and full.
The ten thousand things are whole and alive.
Kings and lords are whole, and the country is upright.
All these are in virtue of wholeness.
The clarity of the sky prevents it from falling.
The firmness of the earth prevents it from splitting.
The strength of the spirit prevents it from being exhausted.
The fullness of the valley prevents it`s running dry.
The growth of the ten thousand things prevents their dying out.
The leadership of kings and lords prevents the downfall
of the country.
Therefore the humble is the root of the noble.
The low is the foundation of the high.
Princes and lords consider themselves “orphaned,” “widowed,” and “worthless.”
Do they not depend on being humble?
Too much success is not an advantage.
Do not tinkle like jade
Or clatter like stone chimes.