Tao Te Ching Chapter 45

Translation by John H. McDonald

The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect,

yet their usefulness is not diminished.

The greatest fullness seems empty,

yet it will be inexhaustible.

The greatest straightness seems crooked.

The most valued skill seems like clumsiness.

The greatest speech seems full of stammers.

Movement overcomes the cold,

and stillness overcomes the heat.

That which is pure and still is the universal ideal.


Reference: Tao Te Ching