(So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him.

Lao Tzu
About This Quote

The word “So” is used to indicate the conclusion of the previous paragraph. If you think about it, this conclusion is very true. No one can be recognized for nothing. You have to display yourself in some way, either by saying something or doing something.

You also have to make yourself known, or you won’t shine. In order to be recognized, you need to assert your views and vaunt yourself. In other words, if you hold back from making yourself known, no one will know about you and that’s when you can’t find your merit acknowledged.

Even with all that said, I think the quote says a lot about people who try hard but don’t get anywhere with their efforts. They fail at everything they do and never get a chance to shine.

Source: Tao Te Ching

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