Everyone says that my way of life is the way of a simpleton.
Being the way of a simpleton is what makes it worth while.
If it were not the way of a simpleton
It would long ago have been worthless.
These possesions of a simpleton being the three I choose
And cherish:
To care,
To be fair,
To be humble.
When a man cares he is unafraid,
When he is fair he leaves enough for others,
When he is humble he can grow;
Whereas if, like men of today, he be bold without caring,
Self-indulgent without sharing,
Self-important without shame,
He is dead.
The invincible shield
Of caring
Is a weapon from the sky
Against being dead.

The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu, 67, translated by Witter Bynner.