A person in possession of sincerity does not merely accomplish self-consummation. With this quality one also consummates other things. Self-consummation shows one’s perfect virtue, while consummation of other things shows one’s wisdom. (The Book of Rites)

Dao is the origin of all things; de (virtue) nurtures all things, which thus assume their different forms, and grow in different environments. That is why all things and beings revere dao and cherish virtue. Such reverence and cherishing arise because there are no demands imposed on the natural state of things and beings. Instead, this state is complied with. Therefore, dao generates all things, while virtue nurtures them by making them grow, mature, and remain under shelter. To generate things without possessing them, to do something without showing off one’s ability, and to make things grow without dominating them can be deemed as the qualities of unpretentious virtue. (Laozi)