The True men of old presented the aspect of judging others aright, but without being partisans; of feeling their own insufficiency, but being without flattery or cringing.
Their peculiarities were natural to them, but they were not obstinately attached to them; their humility was evident, but there was nothing of unreality or display about it.
Their placidity and satisfaction had the appearance of joy; their every movement seemed to be a necessity to them.
Their accumulated attractiveness drew men's looks to them; their blandness fixed men's attachment to their virtue.
They seemed to accommodate themselves to the manners of their age, but with a certain severity; their haughty indifference was beyond its control.
Unceasing seemed their endeavors to keep their mouths shut; when they looked down, they had forgotten what they wished to say.
They considered punishments to be the substance of government, and they never incurred it; ceremonies to be its supporting wings and they always observed them; wisdom to indicate the time for action, and they always selected it; and virtue to be accordance with others, and they were all-accordant.
Considering punishments to be the substance of government, yet their generosity appeared in the manner of their infliction of death.
Considering ceremonies to be its supporting wings, they pursued by means of them their course in the world.
Considering wisdom to indicate the time for action, they felt it necessary to employ it in the direction of affairs.
Considering virtue to be accordance with others, they sought to ascend its height along with all who had feet to climb it.
Such were they, and yet men really thought that they did what they did by earnest effort.
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