The highest wisdom is to probe diligently.
Wise men are sparing with words.
The leaders of lesser men lack even the shadow of a rebuttal.
What is all this about?
It's all about nothing, to be obvious!
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the
hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there
is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing
(with a purpose).
2. There are few in the world who attain to the teaching without
words, and the advantage arising from non-action.