The Art of Appearing Ordinary — Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzu opens by describing the skilful masters of the Tao in old times. With subtle and exquisite penetration they comprehended its mysteries and were deep enough to elude men's knowledge. Because they were beyond ordinary understanding, Lao Tzu says he will make an effort to describe how they appeared.

They looked like those who wade through a stream in winter: shrinking, hesitant, grave like a guest in awe of his host. Like melting ice, uncarved wood, vacant valleys, and muddy water. The images stack up to show mastery that does not perform itself. Real depth often looks cautious, unfinished, and dull from the outside rather than polished and complete.

Who can make 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 rest will gradually arise. Those who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full of themselves. Because they are not full, they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.

Shrinking like a winter wade, irresolute, grave as a guest, evanescent as melting ice: that is the appearance Lao Tzu struggles to describe. Stillness clears the muddy water. Ongoing movement is what lets rest arise. They can seem worn because they are not full of themselves.