The Tâo
that is displayed is not the Tâo.

Words that are argumentative do not reach the point.
   Benevolence that is constantly exercised does not accomplish its object.
      Disinterestedness that vaunts its purity is not genuine.
         Courage that is most stubborn is ineffectual.

These five seem to be round (and complete),
but they tend to become square (and immovable).
Therefore the knowledge that stops at what it does not know is the greatest.
Who knows the argument that needs no words,
and the Way that is not to be trodden?

He who is able to know this has what is called ‘The Heavenly Treasure-house.’ He may pour into it without its being filled; he may pour from it without its being exhausted; and all the while he does not know whence (the supply) comes.

This is what is called ‘The Store of Light.’

Zhuangzi, by Zhuang Zhou, trans. James Legge, The Adjustment of Controversies

A reader will not fail to remember the very first verse of the Tao Te Ching:

The Tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name

Deep insight, yet distorted by overbearing words is pointed to. Perhaps a tacit caution to all who imagine that they’ve achieved a better comprehension of life? Feel obligated to share? Don’t! If you imagine you can say it, then you are mistaken. Could I rephrase the issue?

This sensitivity to change, dynamic, relational-reality. Judgment is the pivot, the sweet spot of knowing deeply. Knowing when to stop. Then to allow circumstance to serve as one’s guide…

The cardinal virtues came to mind. Those are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Who could deny those are important dispositions to cultivate? Zhuang Zhou replies, only to a point. A virtue is best exercised as a subtext, a background accent, instead of having a starring role.

What happens if virtue is worn upon one’s sleeve? What effect – an out-of-round wheel…

When I feel the urge to argue, what should I do? Nothing! What style, the approach that seems apropos given the circumstance?

What a wonderful expression: ‘The Heavenly Treasure-house.’ One learns without limit. Moreover – one way or another, use is found for what has been learned.