Chapter 56

The one who knows the Tao does not speak of it; the one who speaks of it does not know it.

The one who knows it keeps his mouth shut and closes the gates of his senses. He dulls his sharp edges, unties his tangles, softens his glare, and merges with the dust of the world. This is called the Mysterious Union.

Such a person cannot be drawn close or held at a distance; cannot be benefited or harmed; cannot be honored or disgraced. He is the noblest person under heaven.