上德不德，是以有德；下德不失德，是以无德。　上德无為而无以為；下德无為而有以為。上仁為之而无以為；上义為之而有以為。上礼為之而莫之应，则攘臂而扔之。　故失道而后德，失德而后仁，失仁而后义，失义而后礼。夫礼者，忠信之薄，而乱之首。前识者，道之华，而愚之始。是以大丈夫处其厚，不居其薄；处其实，不居其华。故去彼取此。

Te Ching Chapter Thirty-eight

A man of superior virtue is not conscious of being virtuous, hence is truly virtuous.

A man of inferior virtue performs for the purpose of virtue, hence he is not virtuous.

A man of superior virtue acts without action, and performs with his true nature.

A man of inferior virtue acts with intentional effort.

A man of superior kindness acts a natural act.

A man of superior justice acts with righteousness and feelings for others.

A man of superior etiquette acts according to his true self, hence no one responds to him by moving away.

There, when Tai is lost, there is Te (virtue).

When Te is lost, there is humanity.

When humanity is lost, there is justice.

When justice is lost, there is etiquette.

Etiquette becomes prevalent when people fail to be sincere and honest.

Hence, chaos begins.

A person of knowledge and self-opinion will be hindered from the enlightenment of Tao.

Thus, this is the beginning of ignorance!

Therefore, one who cultivates himself with Tao,

Embraces the original nature and indulges not in sensual nature.

He abides by the fundamental Oneness and indulges not in sensory pleasures.

Thus, abandon those desires and abide by this true essence of Tao.