The great men of old
Were inconspicuous, magnificent, mysterious, and penetrating;
Incomprehensibly profound, deep beyond measure

Since they were unrecognisable
I will try to paint a proper portrait:

Poised! Akin to one fording a river in winter
Careful! Akin to one frightened of his own neighbours
Solemn! Akin to an ingratiated guest
Diffuse! Akin to the melting of ice in spring
Perfect! Akin to a block of uncarved wood
Empty! Akin to a wide open valley
Murky! Akin to muddied waters

Is it not muddiness that lets one still, easing into purity?
Is it not steadiness that lets one ever move, stirring into life?

The followers of the Way do not crave to be fulfilled
Although they are not fulfilled, they appear refreshingly whole

古之善為士者
微妙玄通
深不可識

夫唯不可識
故強為之容

豫兮若冬涉川
猶兮若畏四鄰
儼兮其若客
渙兮若冰之將釋
敦兮其若樸
曠兮其若谷
混兮其若濁

孰能濁以靜之徐清
孰能安以久動之徐生

保此道者不欲盈
夫唯不盈
故能蔽不新成