STANDING ON TIPTOES

The teachings about arrogance in the Tao Te Ching are among its most memorable and evocative. In chapter 24, Lao Tzu says:

Those who are on tiptoes cannot stand

Those who straddle cannot walk

To stand on tiptoes is to elevate oneself above others; to straddle is t widen the legs in a pretentious pose. Both images point to the arrogant person, someone who sees himself as superior to everyone else and constantly displays his ego.

When we say such a person cannot stand or walk, we are pointing out the fact that an arrogant person cannot function in society. By standing on tiptoes for too long, he will collapse in a heap of exhaustion. Because he is unable to walk, he fails to make any progress in life. With such descriptions, Lao Tzu has removed any doubt as to his position on arrogance.

The Tao Today

The same chapter from the Tao Te Ching goes on to talk about how much those with the Toa despise arrogance. This is a good opportunity to clear up the common but erroneous idea that there is no good or bad in the Tao. There is, and arrogance is a prime example of the bad. Be especially careful to not let your ego get out of control, and remember that Lao Tzu has given us the strongest warning he can give.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin