Zhēnrén bù lòuxiàng; lòuxiàng bù zhēnrén.*

Lit One who has attained the Way doesn't show [it]; [one who] makes a show [of it has] not attained the Way.

Fig One who is really capable doesn't show off, and those who show off aren't really capable.

Note [Cf. DRC, chap. 117; Érnǚ Yīngxióng Zhuàn, chap. 15; note: zhēnrén is a Taoist term referring to one who has attained enlightenment.]

Topics ABILITY BRAGGING DRC Érnǚ Yīngxióng Zhuàn MODESTY Taoism zhēnrén