1. the skilful masters (of the tao) in old times, with a subtle and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep (also) so as to elude men's knowledge. as they were thus beyond men's knowledge, i will make an effort to describe of what sort they appeared to be.

2. shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave like a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.

3. who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. who can secure the condition of rest? let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.

4. they who preserve this method of the tao do not wish to be full (of themselves). it is through their not being full of themselves that they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.

古之善为士者，微妙玄通，深不可识。

夫唯不可识，故强为之容：

豫兮若冬涉川，犹兮若畏四邻，俨兮其若客；

涣兮若冰之将释，敦兮其若朴，旷兮其若谷；

混兮其若浊。

孰能浊以澄？静之徐清；

孰能安以久？动之徐生。

保此道者不欲盈。

夫唯不盈，故能敝而新成。

【译文】

古来善于当士的人们，微妙、幽深而通达权变，深邃得令人难以测识。正因为难以测识，所以要勉强作形容：有时候，他们迟疑审慎得像是在冬天里涉足江河，警觉戒备得像是随处都有强敌环俟，恭谨自持得像是一直都在做客；有时候，他们又像冰块就要崩解融化一样松跨散漫，敦敦朴朴的，看不出什么突出的能耐，旷放豁达得就像虚空一样；他们的那些似乎不相调谐的多面目表现使他们显得很浑浊。

哪些人能在混浊中保持本心的澄明？能注意守静就能渐趋本心的澄明；哪些人能使安稳得到长久的维持？懂得灵动权变就能渐得长久的安稳。保持这种生存方式的基本点就是不去追求"无不具足"。正因为没有"无不具足"，所以能历久而常新。