When the wise man hears of the Tao
he does his best to practice it.
When the average man hears of the Tao
he sometimes has it and sometimes loses it.
When the ignorant man hears of the Tao
he laughs aloud at it.
For if he did not laugh
it would not have been the Tao.
Thus it is said,
Those who understand the Tao seem foolish
Those who progress with the Tao seem backward
Those who follow the Tao seem aimless
For the finest harmony appears plain
The brightest truth appears covered
The richest character appears incomplete
The bravest heart appears meek
The simplest nature appears shapeless
The Tao is obscure and cannot be named
Yet it is a great teacher
And the master of accomplishment
Tao Wisdom