Would anybody who is familiar with the texts of taoism care to help me with an interpretation of Book VIII section 1 (pretty much the first paragraph) in the texts of taoism? I understand that its basically saying that benevolence and righteousness are not natural growths of humanity, but excrescences on it, like the extra finger on the hand and the membranous web of the toe, but that is all i can come up with for the moment. Please, any help would be appreciated. I have a group presentation tomorrow and i would like to say more than a couple sentences!
Thanks!