,,! ,,tao ,,teh ,,k+1 ,,or ,,! ,,tao ,,& ,,its ,,*>act]i/ics by ,lao-,tse ,translat$ by ,james ,legge ,,"p #a4 ,*4 #a4 #a4 ,! ,tao t c be trodd5 is n ! endur+ & un*ang+ ,tao4 ,! "n t c be nam$ is n ! endur+ & un*ang+ "n4 #b4 7,conceiv$ ( z7 hav+ no "n1 x is ! ,orig9ator ( heav5 & e>?2 7conceiv$ ( z7 hav+ a "n1 x is ! ,"m ( all ?+s4 #c4 ,always )\t desire we mu/ be f\nd1 ,if its deep my/]y we w\ld s\nd2 ,b if desire always )9 u be1 ,its out] fr+e is all t we %all see4 #d4 ,"u ^! two aspects1 x is really ! same2 b z developm5t takes place1 x receives ! diff]5t names4 ,toge!r we call !m ! ,my/]y4 ,:]e ! ,my/]y is ! deepe/ is ! gate ( all t is subtle & wond]ful4 #b4 #a4 ,all 9 ! _w "k ! beauty ( ! beautiful1 & 9 do+ ?is !y h 7! idea (7 :at ugl9ess is2 !y all "k ! skill ( ! skilful1 & 9 do+ ?is !y h 7! idea (7 :at ! want ( skill is4 #b4 ,s x is t exi/5ce & non-exi/5ce give bir? ! "o to 7! idea (7 ! o!r2 t difficulty & ease produce ! "o 7! idea (7 ! o!r2 t l5g? & %ortness fa%ion out ! "o ! figure ( ! o!r2 t 7! ideas (7 height & l[ness arise f ! contra/ ( ! "o ) ! o!r2 t ! musical notes & tones become h>moni\s ?r\gh ! relation ( "o ) ano!r2 & t be+ be=e & beh9d give ! idea ( "o foll[+ ano!r4 #c4 ,!re=e ! sage manages affairs )\t do+ any?+1 & conveys 8 in/ructions )\t ! use ( spee*4 #d4 ,all ?+s spr+ up1 & !re is n "o :i* decl9es to %[ itself2 !y gr[1 & !re is no claim made = _! own]%ip2 !y g ?r\gh _! processes1 & !re is no expectation 7( a rew>d = ! results74 ,! "w is accompli%$1 & !re is no re/+ 9 x 7z an a*ievem5t74 ,! "w is done1 b h[ no "o c see2 ',tis ?is t makes ! p[] n cease to be4 #c4 #a4 ,n to value & employ m5 ( sup]ior ability is ! way to keep ! p f rivalry among !mselves2 n to prize articles :i* are difficult to procure is ! way to keep !m f becom+ ?ieves2 n to %[ !m :at is likely to excite _! desires is ! way to keep _! m9ds f disord]4 #b4 ,!re=e ! sage1 9 ! ex]cise ( 8 gov]nm5t1 empties _! m9ds1 fills _! bellies1 weak5s _! wills1 & /r5g!ns _! bones4 #c4 ,he con/antly 7tries to7 keep !m )\t k & )\t desire1 & :]e !re are ^? :o h k1 to keep !m f presum+ to act 7on x74 ,:5 !re is ?is ab/95ce f action1 good ord] is univ]sal4 #d4 #a4 ,! ,tao is 7l7 ! empt9ess ( a vessel2 & 9 our employm5t ( x we mu/ be on our gu>d aga9/ all fulness4 ,h[ deep & unfa?omable x is1 z if x 7 ! ,hon\r$ ,ance/or ( all ?+s6 #b4 ,we %\ld blunt our %>p po9ts1 & unravel ! complications ( ?+s2 we %\ld attemp] our brightness1 & br+ ourselves into agreem5t ) ! obscurity ( o!rs4 ,h[ pure & /ill ! ,tao is1 z if x w\ld ev] s cont9ue6 #c4 ,i d n "k ^: son x is4 ,x might appe> to h be5 be=e ,god4 #e4 #a4 ,heav5 & e>? d n act f 7! impulse (7 any wi% to be b5evol5t2 !y deal ) all ?+s z ! dogs ( grass are dealt )4 ,! sages d n act f 7any wi% to be7 b5evol5t2 !y deal ) ! p z ! dogs ( grass are dealt )4 #b4 ,may n ! space betwe5 heav5 & e>? be comp>$ to a bell[s8 ',tis empti$1 yet x loses n its p[]2 ',tis mov$ aga91 & s5ds =? air ! m4 ,mu* spee* to swift exhau/ion lead we see2 ,y\r inn] be+ gu>d1 & keep x free4 #f4 ,! valley _s dies n1 aye ! same2 ,! female my/]y ?us d we "n4 ,its gate1 f :i* at fir/ !y issu$ =?1 ,is call$ ! root f :i* grew heav5 & e>?4 ,long & unbrok5 does its p[] rema91 ,us$ g5tly1 & )\t ! t\* ( pa94 #g4 #a4 ,heav5 is long-endur+ & e>? cont9ues long4 ,! reason :y heav5 & e>? are able to endure & cont9ue ?us long is because !y d n live (1 or =1 !mselves4 ,?is is h[ !y are able to cont9ue & endure4 #b4 ,!re=e ! sage puts 8 own p]son la/1 & yet x is f\nd 9 ! =emo/ place2 he treats 8 p]son z if x 7 =eign to him1 & yet t p]son is pres]v$4 ,is x n because he has no p]sonal & private ends1 t !re=e su* ends are realis$8 #h4 #a4 ,! highe/ excell5ce is l 7t (7 wat]4 ,! excell5ce ( wat] appe>s 9 its b5efit+ all ?+s1 & 9 its occupy+1 )\t /riv+ 7to ! contr>y71 ! l[ place :i* all m5 dislike4 ,h5ce 7its way7 is ne> to 7t (7 ! ,tao4 #b4 ,! excell5ce ( a resid5ce is 9 7! suitability (7 ! place2 t ( ! m9d is 9 abysmal /illness2 t ( associations is 9 _! be+ ) ! virtu\s2 t ( gov]nm5t is 9 its secur+ good ord]2 t ( 7! conduct (7 affairs is 9 its ability2 & t ( 7! initiation (7 any movem5t is 9 its timel9ess4 #c4 ,& :5 7"o ) ! highe/ excell5ce7 does n wrangle 7ab\t 8 l[ position71 no "o f9ds fault ) him4 #i4 #a4 ,x is bett] to leave a vessel unfill$1 ?an to attempt to c>ry x :5 x is full4 ,if y keep feel+ a po9t t has be5 %>p5$1 ! po9t _c long pres]ve its %>pness4 #b4 ,:5 gold & jade fill ! hall1 _! possessor _c keep !m safe4 ,:5 weal? & hon\rs lead to arrogancy1 ?is br+s its evil on itself4 ,:5 ! "w is done1 & "o's "n is becom+ di/+ui%$1 to )draw into obscurity is ! way ( ,heav54 #aj4 #a4 ,:5 ! intellig5t & animal s\ls are held toge!r 9 "o embrace1 !y c be kept f sep>at+4 ,:5 "o gives undivid$ att5tion to ! 7vital7 brea?1 & br+s x to ! utmo/ degree ( pliancy1 he c become z a 7t5d]7 babe4 ,:5 he has cleans$ away ! mo/ my/]i\s sights 7( 8 imag9ation71 he c become )\t a flaw4 #b4 ,9 lov+ ! p & rul+ ! /ate1 _c he proce$ )\t any 7purpose (7 action8 ,9 ! op5+ & %utt+ ( 8 gates ( heav51 _c he d s z a female bird8 ,:ile 8 intellig5ce rea*es 9 e direction1 _c he 7appe> to7 be )\t k8 #c4 7,! ,tao7 produces 7all ?+s7 & n\ri%es !m2 x produces !m & does n claim !m z its own2 x does all1 & yet does n boa/ ( x2 x presides ov] all1 & yet does n control !m4 ,?is is :at is call$ ',! my/]i\s ,quality' 7( ! ,tao74 #aa4 ,! ?irty spokes unite 9 ! "o nave2 b x is on ! empty space 7= ! axle71 t ! use ( ! :eel dep5ds4 ,clay is fa%ion$ into vessels2 b x is on _! empty holl[ness1 t _! use dep5ds4 ,! door & w9d[s are cut out 7f ! walls7 to =m an ap>tm5t2 b x is on ! empty space 7)971 t its use dep5ds4 ,!re=e1 :at has a 7positive7 exi/5ce s]ves = pr(itable adaptation1 & :at has n t = 7actual7 usefulness4 #ab4 #a4 ,col\r's five hues f ?' eyes _! sight w take2 ,music's five notes ! e>s z deaf c make2 ,! flav\rs five deprive ! m\? ( ta/e2 ,! *>iot c\rse1 & ! wild hunt+ wa/e ,make mad ! m9d2 & objects r>e & /range1 ,s\ght =1 m5's conduct w to evil *ange4 #b4 ,!re=e ! sage seeks to satisfy 7! crav+ (7 ! belly1 & n ! 7insatiable long+ ( !7 eyes4 ,he puts f him ! latt]1 & pref]s to seek ! =m]4 #ac4 #a4 ,fav\r & disgrace w\ld seem equally to be fe>$2 hon\r & great calamity1 to be reg>d$ z p]sonal conditions 7( ! same k9d74 #b4 ,:at is meant by speak+ ?us ( fav\r & disgrace8 ,disgrace is be+ 9 a l[ position 7aft] ! enjoym5t ( fav\r74 ,! gett+ t 7fav\r7 leads to ! appreh5sion 7( los+ x71 & ! los+ x leads to ! fe> ( 7/ill great] calamity73--?is is :at is meant by say+ t fav\r & disgrace w\ld seem equally to be fe>$4 ,& :at is meant by say+ t hon\r & great calamity are to be 7simil>ly7 reg>d$ z p]sonal conditions8 ,:at makes me liable to great calamity is my hav+ ! body 7:i* ,i call myself72 if ,i _h n ! body1 :at great calamity c\ld come to me8 #c4 ,!re=e he :o w\ld adm9i/] ! k+dom1 hon\r+ x z he hon\rs 8 own p]son1 may be employ$ to gov]n x1 & he :o w\ld adm9i/] x ) ! love :i* he be>s to 8 own p]son may be entru/$ ) x4 #ad4 #a4 ,we look at x1 & we d n see x1 & we "n x '! ,equable4' ,we li/5 to x1 & we d n he> x1 & we "n x '! ,inaudible4' ,we try to grasp x1 & d n get hold ( x1 & we "n x '! ,subtle4' ,) ^! ?ree qualities1 x _c be made ! subject ( description2 & h5ce we bl5d !m toge!r & obta9 ,! ,"o4 #b4 ,its upp] "p is n bright1 & its l[] "p is n obscure4 ,ceaseless 9 its action1 x yet _c be nam$1 & !n x aga9 returns & becomes no?+4 ,?is is call$ ! ,=m ( ! ,=mless1 & ! ,semblance ( ! ,invisible2 ?is is call$ ! ,fleet+ & ,indet]m9able4 #c4 ,we meet x & d n see its ,front2 we foll[ x1 & d n see its ,back4 ,:5 we c lay hold ( ! ,tao ( old to direct ! ?+s ( ! pres5t day1 & are able to "k x z x 0 ( old 9 ! beg9n+1 ?is is call$ 7unw9d+7 ! clue ( ,tao4 #ae4 #a4 ,! skilful ma/]s 7( ! ,tao7 9 old times1 ) a subtle & exquisite p5etration1 compreh5d$ its my/]ies1 & 7 deep 7also7 s z to elude m5's k4 ,z !y 7 ?us beyond m5's k1 ,i w make an ef=t to describe ( :at sort !y appe>$ to be4 #b4 ,%r9k+ look$ !y l ^? :o wade ?r\gh a /ream 9 w9t]2 irresolute l ^? :o are afraid ( all ar\nd !m2 grave l a gue/ 79 awe ( 8 ho/72 evanesc5t l ice t is melt+ away2 unpret5ti\s l wood t has n be5 fa%ion$ into any?+2 vacant l a valley1 & dull l muddy wat]4 #c4 ,:o c 7make7 ! muddy wat] 7cle>78 ,let x be /ill1 & x w gradually become cle>4 ,:o c secure ! condition ( re/8 ,let movem5t g on1 & ! condition ( re/ w gradually arise4 #d4 ,!y :o pres]ve ?is me?od ( ! ,tao d n wi% to be full 7( !mselves74 ,x is ?r\gh _! n be+ full ( !mselves t !y c af=d to seem worn & n appe> new & complete4 #af4 #a4 ,! 7/ate (7 vacancy %\ld be br\ght to ! utmo/ degree1 & t ( /illness gu>d$ ) unwe>y+ vig\r4 ,all ?+s alike g ?r\gh _! processes ( activity1 & 7!n7 we see !m return 7to _! orig9al /ate74 ,:5 ?+s 79 ! vegetable _w7 h display$ _! luxuriant gr[?1 we see ea* ( !m return to its root4 ,?is return+ to _! root is :at we call ! /ate ( /illness2 & t /illness may be call$ a report+ t !y h fulfill$ _! appo9t$ end4 #b4 ,! report ( t fulfilm5t is ! regul>1 un*ang+ rule4 ,to "k t un*ang+ rule is to be intellig5t2 n to "k x leads to wild movem5ts & evil issues4 ,! k ( t un*ang+ rule produces a 7gr&7 capacity & =be>ance1 & t capacity & =be>ance lead to a community 7( feel+ ) all ?+s74 ,f ?is community ( feel+ comes a k+l9ess ( "*2 & he :o is k+-l goes on to be heav5-l4 ,9 t lik5ess to heav5 he possesses ! ,tao4 ,possess$ ( ! ,tao1 he endures long2 & to ! end ( 8 bodily life1 is exempt f all dang] ( decay4 #ag4 #a4 ,9 ! highe/ antiquity1 7! p7 did n "k t !re 7 7_! rul]s74 ,9 ! next age !y lov$ !m & prais$ !m4 ,9 ! next !y fe>$ !m2 9 ! next !y despis$ !m4 ,?us x 0 t :5 fai? 79 ! ,tao7 0 defici5t 79 ! rul]s7 a want ( fai? 9 !m ensu$ 79 ! p74 #b4 ,h[ irresolute did ^? 7e>lie/ rul]s7 appe>1 %[+ 7by _! retic5ce7 ! importance :i* !y set ^u _! words6 ,_! "w 0 done & _! und]tak+s 7 successful1 :ile ! p all said1 ',we are z we are1 ( ourselves6' #ah4 #a4 ,:5 ! ,great ,tao 7,way or ,me?od7 ceas$ to be obs]v$1 b5evol5ce & righte\sness came into vogue4 7,!n7 appe>$ wisdom & %rewdness1 & !re ensu$ great hypocrisy4 #b4 ,:5 h>mony no long] prevail$ ?r\gh\t ! six k9%ips1 filial sons f\nd _! manife/ation2 :5 ! /ates & clans fell into disord]1 loyal m9i/]s appe>$4 #ai4 #a4 ,if we c\ld r5\nce our sag5ess & disc>d our wisdom1 x w\ld be bett] = ! p a hundr$fold4 ,if we c\ld r5\nce our b5evol5ce & disc>d our righte\sness1 ! p w\ld aga9 become filial & k9dly4 ,if we c\ld r5\nce our artful contrivances & disc>d our 7s*em+ =7 ga91 !re w\ld be no ?ieves nor robb]s4 #b4 ,^? ?ree me?ods 7( gov]nm5t7 ,?\ght old5 ways 9 elegance did fail ,& made ^! names _! want ( wor? to veil2 ,b simple views1 & c\rses pla9 & true ,w\ld selfi% ends & _m lu/s es*ew4 #bj4 #a4 ,:5 we r5\nce le>n+ we h no tr\bles4 ,! 7ready7 'yes1' & 7flatt]+7 'yea2'-- ,small is ! diff]5ce !y display4 ,b m>k _! issues1 good & ill2-- ,:at space ! gulf betwe5 %all fill8 ,:at all m5 fe> is inde$ to be fe>$2 b h[ wide & )\t end is ! range ( que/ions 7ask+ to be discuss$76 #b4 ,! multitude ( m5 look satisfi$ & pleas$2 z if enjoy+ a full banquet1 z if m\nt$ on a t[] 9 spr+4 ,i alone seem li/less & /ill1 my desires hav+ z yet giv5 no indication ( _! pres5ce4 ,i am l an infant :i* has n yet smil$4 ,i look deject$ & =lorn1 z if ,i _h no home to g to4 ,! multitude ( m5 all h en\gh & to sp>e4 ,i alone seem to h lo/ ev]y?+4 ,my m9d is t ( a /upid man2 ,i am 9 a /ate ( *aos4 ,ord9>y m5 look bright & intellig5t1 :ile ,i alone seem to be b5ight$4 ,!y look full ( discrim9ation1 :ile ,i alone am dull & confus$4 ,i seem to be c>ri$ ab\t z on ! sea1 drift+ z if ,i _h n[h]e to re/4 ,all m5 h _! sph]es ( action1 :ile ,i alone seem dull & incapable1 l a rude bord]]4 7,?us7 ,i alone am diff]5t f o!r m51 b ,i value ! nurs+-"m 7! ,tao74 #ba4 ,! gr&e/ =ms ( active =ce ,f ,tao come1 _! only s\rce4 ,:o c ( ,tao ! nature tell8 ,our sight x flies1 our t\* z well4 ,elud+ sight1 elud+ t\*1 ,! =ms ( ?+s all 9 x cr\*2 ,elud+ t\*1 elud+ sight1 ,!re are _! semblances1 all "r4 ,pr(\nd x is1 d>k & obscure2 ,?+s' ess5ces all !re endure4 ,^? ess5ces ! tru? enfold ,( :at1 :5 se51 %all !n be told4 ,n[ x is s2 'twas s ( old4 ,its "n--:at passes n away2 ,s1 9 _! beautiful array1 ,?+s =m & nev] "k decay4 ,h[ "k ,i t x is s ) all ! beauties ( exi/+ ?+s8 ,by ?is 7nature ( ! ,tao74 #bb4 #a4 ,! p>tial becomes complete2 ! crook$1 /raight2 ! empty1 full2 ! worn out1 new4 ,he ^: 7desires7 are few gets !m2 he ^: 7desires7 are _m goes a/ray4 #b4 ,!re=e ! sage holds 9 8 embrace ! "o ?+ 7( humility71 & manife/s x to all ! _w4 ,he is free f self-display1 & !re=e he %9es2 f self-ass]tion1 & !re=e he is di/+ui%$2 f self-boa/+1 & !re=e 8 m]it is ackn[l$g$2 f self-complac5cy1 & !re=e he acquires sup]iority4 ,x is because he is ?us free f /riv+ t !re=e no "o 9 ! _w is able to /rive ) him4 #c4 ,t say+ ( ! anci5ts t '! p>tial becomes complete' 0 n va9ly spok53--all real completion is compreh5d$ "u x4 #bc4 #a4 ,ab/a9+ f spee* m>ks him :o is obey+ ! spontaneity ( 8 nature4 ,a viol5t w9d does n la/ = a :ole morn+2 a sudd5 ra9 does n la/ = ! :ole day4 ,to :om is x t ^! 7two7 ?+s are ow+8 ,to ,heav5 & ,e>?4 ,if ,heav5 & ,e>? _c make su* 7spasmodic7 act+s la/ long1 h[ mu* less c man6 #b4 ,!re=e :5 "o is mak+ ! ,tao 8 bus9ess1 ^? :o are also pursu+ x1 agree ) him 9 x1 & ^? :o are mak+ ! manife/ation ( its c\rse _! object agree ) him 9 t2 :ile ev5 ^? :o are fail+ 9 bo? ^! ?+s agree ) him :]e !y fail4 #c4 ,h5ce1 ^? ) :om he agrees z to ! ,tao h ! happ9ess ( atta9+ to x2 ^? ) :om he agrees z to its manife/ation h ! happ9ess ( atta9+ to x2 & ^? ) :om he agrees 9 _! failure h also ! happ9ess ( atta9+ 7to ! ,tao74 7,b7 :5 !re is n fai? suffici5t 7on 8 "p71 a want ( fai? 79 him7 ensues 7on ! "p ( ! o!rs74 #bd4 ,he :o /&s on 8 tiptoes does n /& firm2 he :o /ret*es 8 legs does n walk 7easily74 7,s71 he :o displays himself does n %9e2 he :o ass]ts 8 own views is n di/+ui%$2 he :o vaunts himself does n f9d 8 m]it ackn[l$g$2 he :o is self-conceit$ has no sup]iority all[$ to him4 ,su* conditions1 view$ f ! /&po9t ( ! ,tao1 are l remnants ( food1 or a tum\r on ! body1 :i* all dislike4 ,h5ce ^? :o pursue 7! c\rse7 ( ! ,tao d n adopt & all[ !m4 #be4 #a4 ,!re 0 some?+ undef9$ & complete1 com+ into exi/5ce be=e ,heav5 & ,e>?4 ,h[ /ill x 0 & =mless1 /&+ alone1 & und]go+ no *ange1 rea*+ ev]y:]e & 9 no dang] 7( be+ exhau/$76 ,x may be reg>d$ z ! ,"m ( all ?+s4 #b4 ,i d n "k its "n1 & ,i give x ! designation ( ! ,tao 7! ,way or ,c\rse74 ,mak+ an ef=t 7fur!r7 to give x a "n ,i call x ,! ,great4 #c4 ,great1 x passes on 79 con/ant fl[74 ,pass+ on1 x becomes remote4 ,hav+ become remote1 x returns4 ,!re=e ! ,tao is great2 ,heav5 is great2 ,e>? is great2 & ! 7sage7 k+ is also great4 ,9 ! univ]se !re are f\r t are great1 & ! 7sage7 k+ is "o ( !m4 #d4 ,man takes 8 law f ! ,e>?2 ! ,e>? takes its law f ,heav52 ,heav5 takes its law f ! ,tao4 ,! law ( ! ,tao is its be+ :at x is4 #bf4 #a4 ,gravity is ! root ( lightness2 /illness1 ! rul] ( movem5t4 #b4 ,!re=e a wise pr9ce1 m>*+ ! :ole day1 does n g f> f 8 baggage waggons4 ,al?\gh he may h brilliant prospects to look at1 he quietly rema9s 79 8 prop] place71 indiff]5t to !m4 ,h[ %\ld ! "l ( a myriad *>iots c>ry himself lightly be=e ! k+dom8 ,if he d act lightly1 he has lo/ 8 root 7( gravity72 if he proce$ to active movem5t1 he w lose 8 ?rone4 #bg4 #a4 ,! skilful travell] leaves no traces ( 8 :eels or foot/eps2 ! skilful speak] says no?+ t c be f\nd fault ) or blam$2 ! skilful reckon] uses no tallies2 ! skilful clos] ne$s no bolts or b>s1 :ile to op5 :at he has %ut w be impossible2 ! skilful b9d] uses no /r+s or knots1 :ile to unloose :at he has b\nd w be impossible4 ,9 ! same way ! sage is always skilful at sav+ m51 & s he does n ca/ away any man2 he is always skilful at sav+ ?+s1 & s he does n ca/ away any?+4 ,?is is call$ ',hid+ ! light ( 8 proc$ure4' #b4 ,!re=e ! man ( skill is a ma/] 7to be look$ up to7 by him :o has n ! skill2 & he :o has n ! skill is ! help] ( 7! reputation (7 him :o has ! skill4 ,if ! "o did n hon\r 8 ma/]1 & ! o!r did n rejoice 9 8 help]1 an 7obs]v]71 ?\gh intellig5t1 might greatly err ab\t !m4 ,?is is call$ ',! utmo/ degree ( my/]y4' #bh4 #a4 ,:o kn[s 8 manhood's /r5g?1 ,yet /ill 8 female feebl5ess ma9ta9s2 ,z to "o *annel fl[ ! _m dra9s1 ,all come to him1 yea1 all b5ea? ! sky4 ,?us he ! con/ant excell5ce reta9s2 ,! simple *ild aga91 free f all /a9s4 ,:o kn[s h[ :ite attracts1 ,yet always keeps himself )9 black's %ade1 ,! patt]n ( humility display$1 ,display$ 9 view ( all b5ea? ! sky2 ,he 9 ! un*ang+ excell5ce array$1 ,endless return to man's fir/ /ate has made4 ,:o kn[s h[ glory %9es1 ,yet loves disgrace1 nor e'er = x is pale2 ,behold 8 pres5ce 9 a spaci\s vale1 ,to :i* m5 come f all b5ea? ! sky4 ,! un*ang+ excell5ce completes its tale2 ,! simple infant man 9 him we hail4 #b4 ,! unwr\ght mat]ial1 :5 divid$ & di/ribut$1 =ms vessels4 ,! sage1 :5 employ$1 becomes ! ,head ( all ! ,(fic]s 7( gov]nm5t72 & 9 8 greate/ regulations he employs no viol5t measures4 #bi4 #a4 ,if any "o %\ld wi% to get ! k+dom = himself1 & to effect ?is by :at he does1 ,i see t he w n succe$4 ,! k+dom is a _s-l ?+1 & _c be got by active do+4 ,he :o w\ld s w9 x de/roys x2 he :o w\ld hold x 9 8 grasp loses x4 #b4 ,! c\rse & nature ( ?+s is su* t ,:at 0 9 front is n[ beh9d2 ,:at w>m$ anon we freez+ f9d4 ,/r5g? is ( weakness (t ! spoil2 ,! /ore 9 ru9s mocks our toil4 ,h5ce ! sage puts away excessive ef=t1 extravagance1 & easy indulg5ce4 #cj4 #a4 ,he :o w\ld assi/ a "l ( m5 9 h>mony ) ! ,tao w n ass]t 8 ma/]y 9 ! k+dom by =ce ( arms4 ,su* a c\rse is sure to meet ) its prop] return4 #b4 ,:]ev] a ho/ is /ation$1 bri>s & ?orns spr+ up4 ,9 ! sequ5ce ( great armies !re are sure to be bad ye>s4 #c4 ,a skilful 7comm&]7 /rikes a decisive bl[1 & /ops4 ,he does n d>e 7by cont9u+ 8 op]ations7 to ass]t & complete 8 ma/]y4 ,he w /rike ! bl[1 b w be on 8 gu>d aga9/ be+ va9 or boa/ful or arrogant 9 consequ5ce ( x4 ,he /rikes x z a matt] ( necessity2 he /rikes x1 b n f a wi% = ma/]y4 #d4 ,:5 ?+s h atta9$ _! /rong maturity !y become old4 ,?is may be said to be n 9 accordance ) ! ,tao3 & :at is n 9 accordance ) x soon comes to an end4 #ca4 #a4 ,n[ arms1 h[ev] beautiful1 are in/rum5ts ( evil om51 hateful1 x may be said1 to all creatures4 ,!re=e !y :o h ! ,tao d n l to employ !m4 #b4 ,! sup]ior man ord9>ily consid]s ! left h& ! mo/ hon\rable place1 b 9 "t ( w> ! "r h&4 ,^? %>p weapons are in/rum5ts ( evil om51 & n ! in/rum5ts ( ! sup]ior man2--he uses !m only on ! compulsion ( necessity4 ,calm & repose are :at he prizes2 victory 7by =ce ( arms7 is to him undesirable4 ,to consid] ?is desirable w\ld be to delight 9 ! slaught] ( m52 & he :o delights 9 ! slaught] ( m5 _c get 8 w 9 ! k+dom4 #c4 ,on occasions ( fe/ivity to be on ! left h& is ! priz$ position2 on occasions ( m\rn+1 ! "r h&4 ,! second 9 comm& ( ! army has 8 place on ! left2 ! g5]al comm&+ 9 *ief has 8 on ! "r2--8 place1 t is1 is assign$ to him z 9 ! rites ( m\rn+4 ,he :o has kill$ multitudes ( m5 %\ld weep = !m ) ! bitt]e/ grief2 & ! victor 9 battle has 8 place 7rightly7 accord+ to ^? rites4 #cb4 #a4 ,! ,tao1 consid]$ z un*ang+1 has no "n4 #b4 ,?\gh 9 its primordial simplicity x may be small1 ! :ole _w d>es n deal ) 7"o embody+7 x z a m9i/]4 ,if a feudal pr9ce or ! k+ c\ld gu>d & hold x1 all w\ld spontane\sly submit !mselves to him4 #c4 ,heav5 & ,e>? 7"u its guidance7 unite toge!r & s5d d[n ! sweet dew1 :i*1 )\t ! directions ( m51 rea*es equally ev]y:]e z ( its own accord4 #d4 ,z soon z x proce$s to action1 x has a "n4 ,:5 x once has t "n1 7m57 c "k to re/ 9 x4 ,:5 !y "k to re/ 9 x1 !y c be free f all risk ( failure & error4 #e4 ,! relation ( ! ,tao to all ! _w is l t ( ! great riv]s & seas to ! /reams f ! valleys4 #cc4 #a4 ,he :o kn[s o!r m5 is disc]n+2 he :o kn[s himself is intellig5t4 ,he :o ov]comes o!rs is /rong2 he :o ov]comes himself is mighty4 ,he :o is satisfi$ ) 8 lot is ri*2 he :o goes on act+ ) en]gy has a 7firm7 w4 #b4 ,he :o does n fail 9 ! requirem5ts ( 8 position1 cont9ues long2 he :o dies & yet does n p]i%1 has longevity4 #cd4 #a4 ,all-p]vad+ is ! ,great ,tao6 ,x may be f\nd on ! left h& & on ! "r4 #b4 ,all ?+s dep5d on x = _! production1 :i* x gives to !m1 n "o refus+ ob$i5ce to x4 ,:5 its "w is accompli%$1 x does n claim ! "n ( hav+ done x4 ,x clo!s all ?+s z ) a g>m5t1 & makes no assumption ( be+ _! "l2--x may be nam$ 9 ! smalle/ ?+s4 ,all ?+s return 7to _! root & disappe>71 & d n "k t x is x :i* presides ov] _! do+ s2--x may be nam$ 9 ! greate/ ?+s4 #c4 ,h5ce ! sage is able 79 ! same way7 to accompli% 8 great a*ievem5ts4 ,x is ?r\gh 8 n mak+ himself great t he c accompli% !m4 #ce4 #a4 ,to him :o holds 9 8 h&s ! ,great ,image 7( ! invisible ,tao71 ! :ole _w repairs4 ,m5 resort to him1 & receive no hurt1 b 7f9d7 re/1 peace1 & ! feel+ ( ease4 #b4 ,music & da9ties w make ! pass+ gue/ /op 7= a "t74 ,b ?\gh ! ,tao z x comes f ! m\?1 seems insipid & has no flav\r1 ?\gh x seems n wor? be+ look$ at or li/5$ to1 ! use ( x is inexhau/ible4 #cf4 #a4 ,:5 "o is ab\t to take an inspiration1 he is sure to make a 7previ\s7 expiration2 :5 he is go+ to weak5 ano!r1 he w fir/ /r5g!n him2 :5 he is go+ to ov]?r[ ano!r1 he w fir/ h rais$ him up2 :5 he is go+ to despoil ano!r1 he w fir/ h made gifts to him3--?is is call$ ',hid+ ! light 7( 8 proc$ure74' #b4 ,! s(t ov]comes ! h>d2 & ! weak ! /rong4 #c4 ,fi%es %\ld n be tak5 f ! deep2 in/rum5ts = ! pr(it ( a /ate %\ld n be %[n to ! p4 #cg4 #a4 ,! ,tao 9 its regul> c\rse does no?+ 7= ! sake ( do+ x71 & s !re is no?+ :i* x does n d4 #b4 ,if pr9ces & k+s 7 able to ma9ta9 x1 all ?+s w\ld ( !mselves be trans=m$ by !m4 #c4 ,if ?is trans=mation became to me an object ( desire1 ,i w\ld express ! desire by ! nameless simplicity4 ,simplicity )\t a "n ,is free f all ext]nal aim4 ,) no desire1 at re/ & /ill1 ,all ?+s g "r z ( _! w4 ,,"p ,,ii4 #ch4 #a4 7,^? :o7 possess$ 9 highe/ degree ! attributes 7( ! ,tao7 did n 7seek7 to %[ !m1 & !re=e !y possess$ !m 79 fulle/ measure74 7,^? :o7 possess$ 9 a l[] degree ^? attributes 7s\ght h[7 n to lose !m1 & !re=e !y did n possess !m 79 fulle/ measure74 #b4 7,^? :o7 possess$ 9 ! highe/ degree ^? attributes did no?+ 7) a purpose71 & _h no ne$ to d any?+4 7,^? :o7 possess$ !m 9 a l[] degree 7 7always7 do+1 & _h ne$ to be s do+4 #c4 7,^? :o7 possess$ ! highe/ b5evol5ce 7 7always seek+7 to c>ry x out1 & _h no ne$ to be do+ s4 7,^? :o7 possess$ ! highe/ righte\sness 7 7always seek+7 to c>ry x out1 & _h ne$ to be s do+4 #d4 7,^? :o7 possess$ ! highe/ 7s5se (7 propriety 7 7always seek+7 to %[ x1 & :5 m5 did n respond to x1 !y b>$ ! arm & m>*$ up to !m4 #e4 ,?us x 0 t :5 ! ,tao 0 lo/1 its attributes appe>$2 :5 its attributes 7 lo/1 b5evol5ce appe>$2 :5 b5evol5ce 0 lo/1 righte\sness appe>$2 & :5 righte\sness 0 lo/1 ! proprieties appe>$4 #f4 ,n[ propriety is ! att5uat$ =m ( leal-he>t$ness & good fai?1 & is also ! comm5cem5t ( disord]2 swift appreh5sion is 7only7 a fl[] ( ! ,tao1 & is ! beg9n+ ( /upidity4 #g4 ,?us x is t ! ,great man abides by :at is solid1 & es*ews :at is flimsy2 dwells ) ! fruit & n ) ! fl[]4 ,x is ?us t he puts away ! "o & makes *oice ( ! o!r4 #ci4 #a4 ,! ?+s :i* f ( old h got ! ,"o 7! ,tao7 are-- ,heav5 :i* by x is bright & pure2 ,e>? r5d]$ !reby firm & sure2 ,spirits ) p[]s by x suppli$2 ,valleys kept full ?r\gh\t _! void ,all creatures :i* ?r\gh x d live ,pr9ces & k+s :o f x get ,! model :i* to all !y give4 ,all ^! are ! results ( ! ,"o 7,tao74 #b4 ,if heav5 7 n ?us pure1 x soon w\ld r5d2 ,if e>? 7 n ?us sure1 'tw\ld break & b5d2 ,)\t ^! p[]s1 ! spirits soon w\ld fail2 ,if n s fill$1 ! dr\ght w\ld p>* ea* vale2 ,)\t t life1 creatures w\ld pass away2 ,pr9ces & k+s1 )\t t moral sway1 ,h[ev] gr& & high1 w\ld all decay4 #c4 ,?us x is t dignity f9ds its 7firm7 root 9 its 7previ\s7 meanness1 & :at is l(ty f9ds its /ability 9 ! l[ness 7f :i* x rises74 ,h5ce pr9ces & k+s call !mselves ',orphans1' ',m5 ( small virtue1' & z ',c>riages )\t a nave4' ,is n ?is an ackn[l$gm5t t 9 _! consid]+ !mselves mean !y see ! f\ndation ( _! dignity8 ,s x is t 9 ! enum]ation ( ! diff]5t p>ts ( a c>riage we d n come on :at makes x answ] ! ends ( a c>riage4 ,!y d n wi% to %[ !mselves elegant-look+ z jade1 b 7pref]7 to be co>se-look+ z an 7ord9>y7 /one4 #dj4 #a4 ,! movem5t ( ! ,tao ,by contr>ies proce$s2 ,& weakness m>ks ! c\rse ,( ,tao's mighty de$s4 #b4 ,all ?+s "u heav5 sprang f ,x z exi/+ 7& nam$72 t exi/5ce sprang f ,x z non-exi/5t 7& n nam$74 #da4 #a4 ,s*ol>s ( ! highe/ class1 :5 !y he> ab\t ! ,tao1 e>ne/ly c>ry x into practice4 ,s*ol>s ( ! middle class1 :5 !y h he>d ab\t x1 seem n[ to keep x & n[ to lose x4 ,s*ol>s ( ! l[e/ class1 :5 !y h he>d ab\t x1 laugh greatly at x4 ,if x 7 n 7?us7 laugh$ at1 x w\ld n be fit to be ! ,tao4 #b4 ,!re=e ! s5t5ce-mak]s h ?us express$ !mselves3-- ',! ,tao1 :5 brighte/ se51 seems light to lack2 ,:o progress 9 x makes1 seems draw+ back2 ,its ev5 way is l a rugg$ track4 ,its highe/ virtue f ! vale do? rise2 ,its greate/ beauty seems to (f5d ! eyes2 ,& he has mo/ ^: lot ! lea/ supplies4 ,its firme/ virtue seems b poor & l[2 ,its solid tru? seems *ange to und]go2 ,its l>ge/ squ>e do? yet no corn] %[ ,a vessel great1 x is ! sl[e/ made2 ,l\d is its s\nd1 b nev] ^w x said2 ,a semblance great1 ! %ad[ ( a %ade4' #c4 ,! ,tao is hidd51 & has no "n2 b x is ! ,tao :i* is skilful at imp>t+ 7to all ?+s :at !y ne$7 & mak+ !m complete4 #db4 #a4 ,! ,tao produc$ ,"o2 ,"o produc$ ,two2 ,two produc$ ,?ree2 ,?ree produc$ ,all ?+s4 ,all ?+s leave beh9d !m ! ,obscurity 7out ( :i* !y h come71 & g =w>d to embrace ! ,brightness 7into :i* !y h em]g$71 :ile !y are h>monis$ by ! ,brea? ( ,vacancy4 #b4 ,:at m5 dislike is to be orphans1 to h little virtue1 to be z c>riages )\t naves2 & yet ^! are ! designations :i* k+s & pr9ces use = !mselves4 ,s x is t "s ?+s are increas$ by be+ dim9i%$1 & o!rs are dim9i%$ by be+ increas$4 #c4 ,:at o!r m5 7?us7 tea*1 ,i also tea*4 ,! viol5t & /rong d n die _! natural dea?4 ,i w make ?is ! basis ( my tea*+4 #dc4 #a4 ,! s(te/ ?+ 9 ! _w da%es aga9/ & ov]comes ! h>de/2 t :i* has no 7sub/antial7 exi/5ce ent]s :]e !re is no crevice4 ,i "k h]eby :at advantage belongs to do+ no?+ 7) a purpose74 #b4 ,!re are few 9 ! _w :o atta9 to ! tea*+ )\t words1 & ! advantage aris+ f non-action4 #dd4 #a4 ,or fame or life1 ,:i* d y hold m de>8 ,or life or weal?1 ,to :i* w\ld y adh]e8 ,keep life & lose ^? o!r ?+s2 ,keep !m & lose y\r life3--:i* br+s ,sorr[ & pa9 m ne>8 #b4 ,?us we may see1 ,:o cleaves to fame ,rejects :at is m great2 ,:o loves l>ge /ores ,gives up ! ri*] /ate4 #c4 ,:o is cont5t ,ne$s fe> no %ame4 ,:o kn[s to /op ,incurs no blame4 ,f dang] free ,long live %all he4 #de4 #a4 ,:o ?9ks 8 great a*ievem5ts poor ,%all f9d 8 vig\r long endure4 ,( greate/ fulness1 deem$ a void1 ,exhau/ion ne'er %all /em ! tide4 ,d ?\ :at's /raight /ill crook$ deem2 ,?y greate/ art /ill /upid seem1 ,& eloqu5ce a /amm]+ scream4 #b4 ,con/ant action ov]comes cold2 be+ /ill ov]comes heat4 ,purity & /illness give ! correct law to all "u heav54 #df4 #a4 ,:5 ! ,tao prevails 9 ! _w1 !y s5d back _! swift horses to 7draw7 ! dung-c>ts4 ,:5 ! ,tao is disreg>d$ 9 ! _w1 ! w>-horses bre$ 9 ! bord] l&s4 #b4 ,!re is no guilt great] ?an to sanction ambition2 no calamity great] ?an to be discont5t$ ) "o's lot2 no fault great] ?an ! wi% to be gett+4 ,!re=e ! suffici5cy ( cont5tm5t is an endur+ & un*ang+ suffici5cy4 #dg4 #a4 ,)\t go+ outside 8 door1 "o und]/&s 7all t takes place7 "u ! sky2 )\t look+ out f 8 w9d[1 "o sees ! ,tao ( ,heav54 ,! f>!r t "o goes out 7f himself71 ! less he kn[s4 #b4 ,!re=e ! sages got _! k )\t travell+2 gave _! 7"r7 names to ?+s )\t see+ !m2 & accompli%$ _! ends )\t any purpose ( do+ s4 #dh4 #a4 ,he :o devotes himself to le>n+ 7seeks7 f day to day to increase 78 k72 he :o devotes himself to ! ,tao 7seeks7 f day to day to dim9i% 78 do+74 #b4 ,he dim9i%es x & aga9 dim9i%es x1 till he arrives at do+ no?+ 7on purpose74 ,hav+ arriv$ at ?is po9t ( non-action1 !re is no?+ :i* he does n d4 #c4 ,he :o gets z 8 own all "u heav5 does s by giv+ himself no tr\ble 7) t end74 ,if "o take tr\ble 7) t end71 he is n equal to gett+ z 8 own all "u heav54 #di4 #a4 ,! sage has no inv>iable m9d ( 8 own2 he makes ! m9d ( ! p 8 m9d4 #b4 ,to ^? :o are good 7to me71 ,i am good2 & to ^? :o are n good 7to me71 ,i am also good2--& ?us 7all7 get to be good4 ,to ^? :o are s9c]e 7) me71 ,i am s9c]e2 & to ^? :o are n s9c]e 7) me71 ,i am also s9c]e2--& ?us 7all7 get to be s9c]e4 #c4 ,! sage has 9 ! _w an appe>ance ( indecision1 & keeps 8 m9d 9 a /ate ( indiff]5ce to all4 ,! p all keep _! eyes & e>s direct$ to him1 & he deals ) !m all z 8 *ildr54 #ej4 #a4 ,m5 come =? & live2 !y ent] 7aga97 & die4 #b4 ,( e t5 ?ree are m9i/]s ( life 7to !mselves72 & ?ree are m9i/]s ( dea?4 #c4 ,!re are also ?ree 9 e t5 ^: aim is to live1 b ^: movem5ts t5d to ! l& 7or place7 ( dea?4 ,& = :at reason8 ,because ( _! excessive endeav\rs to p]petuate life4 #d4 ,b ,i h he>d t he :o is skilful 9 manag+ ! life entru/$ to him = a "t travels on ! l& )\t hav+ to %un rh9oc]os or tig]1 & ent]s a ho/ )\t hav+ to avoid buff coat or %>p weapon4 ,! rh9oc]os f9ds no place 9 him into :i* to ?ru/ its horn1 nor ! tig] a place 9 :i* to fix its claws1 nor ! weapon a place to admit its po9t4 ,& = :at reason8 ,because !re is 9 him no place ( dea?4 #ea4 #a4 ,all ?+s are produc$ by ! ,tao1 & n\ri%$ by its outfl[+ op]ation4 ,!y receive _! =ms accord+ to ! nature ( ea*1 & are complet$ accord+ to ! circum/ances ( _! condition4 ,!re=e all ?+s )\t exception hon\r ! ,tao1 & exalt its outfl[+ op]ation4 #b4 ,?is hon\r+ ( ! ,tao & exalt+ ( its op]ation is n ! result ( any ord9ation1 b always a spontane\s tribute4 #c4 ,?us x is t ! ,tao produces 7all ?+s71 n\ri%es !m1 br+s !m to _! full gr[?1 nurses !m1 completes !m1 matures !m1 ma9ta9s !m1 & ov]spreads !m4 #d4 ,x produces !m & makes no claim to ! possession ( !m2 x c>ries !m ?r\gh _! processes & does n vaunt its ability 9 do+ s2 x br+s !m to maturity & ex]cises no control ov] !m2--?is is call$ its my/]i\s op]ation4 #eb4 #a4 7,! ,tao7 :i* orig9at$ all "u ! sky is to be consid]$ z ! "m ( !m all4 #b4 ,:5 ! "m is f\nd1 we "k :at h] *ildr5 %\ld be4 ,:5 "o kn[s t he is 8 "m's *ild1 & proce$s to gu>d 7! qualities (7 ! "m t belong to him1 to ! end ( 8 life he w be free f all p]il4 #c4 ,let him keep 8 m\? clos$1 & %ut up ! portals 7( 8 no/rils71 & all 8 life he w be exempt f labori\s ex]tion4 ,let him keep 8 m\? op51 & 7sp5d 8 brea?7 9 ! promotion ( 8 affairs1 & all 8 life !re w be no safety = him4 #d4 ,! p]ception ( :at is small is 7! secret (7 cle>-sight$ness2 ! gu>d+ ( :at is s(t & t5d] is 7! secret (7 /r5g?4 #e4 ,:o uses well 8 light1 ,rev]t+ to its 7s\rce s7 bright1 ,w f 8 body w>d all blight1 ,& hides ! un*ang+ f m5's sight4 #ec4 #a4 ,if ,i 7 sudd5ly to become kn[n1 & 7put into a position to7 conduct 7a gov]nm5t7 accord+ to ! ,great ,tao1 :at ,i %\ld be mo/ afraid ( w\ld be a boa/ful display4 #b4 ,! great ,tao 7or way7 is v level & easy2 b p love ! by-ways4 #c4 ,_! c\rt7-y>ds & build+s7 %all be well kept1 b _! fields %all be ill-cultivat$1 & _! gran>ies v empty4 ,!y %all we> elegant & ornam5t$ robes1 c>ry a %>p sword at _! girdle1 pamp] !mselves 9 eat+ & dr9k+1 & h a sup]abundance ( prop]ty & weal?2--su* 7pr9ces7 may be call$ robb]s & boa/]s4 ,?is is contr>y to ! ,tao surely6 #ed4 #a4 ,:at 7,tao's7 skilful plant] plants ,c nev] be uptorn2 ,:at 8 skilful arms enfold1 ,f him c ne'er be borne4 ,sons %all br+ 9 l5g!n+ l9e1 ,sacrifices to 8 %r9e4 #b4 ,tao :5 nurs$ )9 "o's self1 ,8 vig\r w make true2 ,& :]e ! family x rules ,:at ri*es w accrue6 ,! neighb\rhood :]e x prevails ,9 ?riv+ w ab\nd2 ,& :5 'tis se5 ?r\gh\t ! /ate1 ,good =tune w be f\nd4 ,employ x ! k+dom o'er1 ,& m5 ?rive all ar\nd4 #c4 ,9 ?is way ! effect w be se5 9 ! p]son1 by ! obs]vation ( diff]5t cases2 9 ! family2 9 ! neighb\rhood2 9 ! /ate2 & 9 ! k+dom4 #d4 ,h[ d ,i "k t ?is effect is sure to hold ?us all "u ! sky8 ,by ?is 7me?od ( obs]vation74 #ee4 #a4 ,he :o has 9 himself abundantly ! attributes 7( ! ,tao7 is l an infant4 ,poison\s insects w n /+ him2 fi]ce bea/s w n seize him2 birds ( prey w n /rike him4 #b4 7,! infant's7 bones are weak & its s9ews s(t1 b yet its grasp is firm4 ,x kn[s n yet ! union ( male & female1 & yet its virile memb] may be excit$2--%[+ ! p]fection ( its physical ess5ce4 ,all day long x w cry )\t its ?roat becom+ ho>se2--%[+ ! h>mony 79 its con/itution74 #c4 ,to him by :om ?is h>mony is kn[n1 7,! secret (7 ! un*ang+ 7,tao7 is %[n1 ,& 9 ! k wisdom f9ds its ?rone4 ,all life-increas+ arts to evil turn2 ,:]e ! m9d makes ! vital brea? to burn1 7,false7 is ! /r5g?1 7& o'er x we %\ld m\rn47 #d4 ,:5 ?+s h become /rong1 !y 7!n7 become old1 :i* may be said to be contr>y to ! ,tao4 ,:atev] is contr>y to ! ,tao soon ends4 #ef4 #a4 ,he :o kn[s 7! ,tao7 does n 7c>e to7 speak 7ab\t x72 he :o is 7ev] ready to7 speak ab\t x does n "k x4 #b4 ,he 7:o kn[s x7 w keep 8 m\? %ut & close ! portals 7( 8 no/rils74 ,he w blunt 8 %>p po9ts & unravel ! complications ( ?+s2 he w attemp] 8 brightness1 & br+ himself into agreem5t ) ! obscurity 7( o!rs74 ,?is is call$ '! ,my/]i\s ,agreem5t4' #c4 7,su* an "o7 _c be treat$ famili>ly or di/antly2 he is beyond all consid]ation ( pr(it or injury2 ( nobility or meanness3--he is ! noble/ man "u heav54 #eg4 #a4 ,a /ate may be rul$ by 7measures (7 correction2 weapons ( w> may be us$ ) crafty dext]ity2 7b7 ! k+dom is made "o's own 7only7 by fre$om f action & purpose4 #b4 ,h[ d ,i "k t x is s8 ,by ^! facts3--,9 ! k+dom ! multiplication ( prohibitive enactm5ts increases ! pov]ty ( ! p2 ! m implem5ts to add to _! pr(it t ! p h1 ! great] disord] is !re 9 ! /ate & clan2 ! m acts ( crafty dext]ity t m5 possess1 ! m d /range contrivances appe>2 ! m display !re is ( legislation1 ! m ?ieves & robb]s !re are4 #c4 ,!re=e a sage has said1 ',i w d no?+ 7( purpose71 & ! p w be trans=m$ ( !mselves2 ,i w be fond ( keep+ /ill1 & ! p w ( !mselves become correct4 ,i w take no tr\ble ab\t x1 & ! p w ( !mselves become ri*2 ,i w manife/ no ambition1 & ! p w ( !mselves atta9 to ! primitive simplicity4' #eh4 #a4 ,! gov]nm5t t seems ! mo/ unwise1 ,(t goodness to ! p be/ supplies2 ,t :i* is m$dl+1 t\*+ ev]y?+1 ,w "w b ill1 & disappo9tm5t br+4 ,mis]y6--happ9ess is to be f\nd by its side6 ,happ9ess6--mis]y lurks b5ea? x6 ,:o kn[s :at ei!r w come to 9 ! end8 #b4 ,%all we !n disp5se ) correction8 ,! 7me?od (7 correction %all by a turn become di/ortion1 & ! good 9 x %all by a turn become evil4 ,! delusion ( ! p 7on ?is po9t7 has inde$ subsi/$ = a long "t4 #c4 ,!re=e ! sage is 7l7 a squ>e :i* cuts no "o 7) its angles72 7l7 a corn] :i* injures no "o 7) its %>pness74 ,he is /raight=w>d1 b all[s himself no lic5se2 he is bright1 b does n dazzle4 #ei4 #a4 ,= regulat+ ! human 79 our con/itution7 & r5d]+ ! 7prop]7 s]vice to ! heav5ly1 !re is no?+ l mod]ation4 #b4 ,x is only by ?is mod]ation t !re is effect$ an e>ly return 7to man's normal /ate74 ,t e>ly return is :at ,i call ! repeat$ accumulation ( ! attributes 7( ! ,tao74 ,) t repeat$ accumulation ( ^? attributes1 !re comes ! subjugation 7( e ob/acle to su* return74 ,( ?is subjugation we "k n :at %all be ! limit2 & :5 "o kn[s n :at ! limit %all be1 he may be ! rul] ( a /ate4 #c4 ,he :o possesses ! "m ( ! /ate may cont9ue long4 ,8 case is l t 7( ! plant7 ( :i* we say t its roots are deep & its fl[] /alks firm3--?is is ! way to secure t its endur+ life %all long be se54 #fj4 #a4 ,gov]n+ a great /ate is l cook+ small fi%4 #b4 ,let ! k+dom be gov]n$ accord+ to ! ,tao1 & ! manes ( ! dep>t$ w n manife/ _! spiritual en]gy4 ,x is n t ^? manes h n t spiritual en]gy1 b x w n be employ$ to hurt m54 ,x is n t x c\ld n hurt m51 b nei!r does ! rul+ sage hurt !m4 #c4 ,:5 ^! two d n injuri\sly affect ea* o!r1 _! good influ5ces conv]ge 9 ! virtue 7( ! ,tao74 #fa4 #a4 ,:at makes a great /ate is its be+ 7l7 a l[-ly+1 d[n-fl[+ 7/ream72--x becomes ! c5tre to :i* t5d 7all ! small /ates7 "u heav54 #b4 7,to illu/rate f7 ! case ( all females3--! female always ov]comes ! male by h] /illness4 ,/illness may be consid]$ 7a sort (7 abasem5t4 #c4 ,?us x is t a great /ate1 by condesc5d+ to small /ates1 ga9s !m = itself2 & t small /ates1 by abas+ !mselves to a great /ate1 w9 x ov] to !m4 ,9 ! "o case ! abasem5t leads to ga9+ adh]5ts1 9 ! o!r case to procur+ fav\r4 #d4 ,! great /ate only wi%es to unite m5 toge!r & n\ri% !m2 a small /ate only wi%es to be receiv$ by1 & to s]ve1 ! o!r4 ,ea* gets :at x desires1 b ! great /ate mu/ le>n to abase itself4 #fb4 #a4 ,tao has ( all ?+s ! mo/ hon\r$ place4 ,no treasures give good m5 s ri* a grace2 ,bad m5 x gu>ds1 & do? _! ill efface4 #b4 7,its7 admirable words c pur*ase hon\r2 7its7 admirable de$s c raise _! p]=m] above o!rs4 ,ev5 m5 :o are n good are n ab&on$ by x4 #c4 ,!re=e :5 ! sov]eign occupies 8 place z ! ,son ( ,heav51 & he has appo9t$ 8 ?ree ducal m9i/]s1 ?\gh 7a pr9ce7 7 to s5d 9 a r\nd symbol-(-rank l>ge en\gh to fill bo? ! h&s1 & t z ! precursor ( ! team ( horses 79 ! c\rt-y>d71 su* an (f]+ w\ld n be equal to 7a lesson (7 ?is ,tao1 :i* "o might pres5t on 8 knees4 #d4 ,:y 0 x t ! anci5ts priz$ ?is ,tao s mu*8 ,0 x n because x c\ld be got by seek+ = x1 & ! guilty c\ld escape 7f ! /a9 ( _! guilt7 by x8 ,?is is ! reason :y all "u heav5 consid] x ! mo/ valuable ?+4 #fc4 #a4 7,x is ! way ( ! ,tao7 to act )\t 7?9k+ (7 act+2 to conduct affairs )\t 7feel+ !7 tr\ble ( !m2 to ta/e )\t disc]n+ any flav\r2 to consid] :at is small z great1 & a few z _m2 & to recomp5se injury ) k9dness4 #b4 7,! ma/] ( x7 anticipates ?+s t are difficult :ile !y are easy1 & does ?+s t w\ld become great :ile !y are small4 ,all difficult ?+s 9 ! _w are sure to arise f a previ\s /ate 9 :i* !y 7 easy1 & all great ?+s f "o 9 :i* !y 7 small4 ,!re=e ! sage1 :ile he nev] does :at is great1 is able on t acc\nt to accompli% ! greate/ ?+s4 #c4 ,he :o lightly promises is sure to keep b little fai?2 he :o is cont9ually ?9k+ ?+s easy is sure to f9d !m difficult4 ,!re=e ! sage sees difficulty ev5 9 :at seems easy1 & s nev] has any difficulties4 #fd4 #a4 ,t :i* is at re/ is easily kept hold (2 be=e a ?+ has giv5 indications ( its pres5ce1 x is easy to take measures aga9/ x2 t :i* is brittle is easily brok52 t :i* is v small is easily disp]s$4 ,action %\ld be tak5 be=e a ?+ has made its appe>ance2 ord] %\ld be secur$ be=e disord] has begun4 #b4 ,! tree :i* fills ! arms grew f ! t9ie/ spr\t2 ! t[] ( n9e /oreys rose f a 7small7 heap ( e>?2 ! j\rney ( a ?\s& li comm5c$ ) a s+le /ep4 #c4 ,he :o acts 7) an ult]ior purpose7 does h>m2 he :o takes hold ( a ?+ 79 ! same way7 loses 8 hold4 ,! sage does n act 7s71 & !re=e does no h>m2 he does n lay hold 7s71 & !re=e does n lose 8 hold4 7,b7 p 9 _! conduct ( affairs are con/antly ru9+ !m :5 !y are on ! eve ( success4 ,if !y 7 c>eful at ! end1 z 7!y %\ld be7 at ! beg9n+1 !y w\ld n s ru9 !m4 #d4 ,!re=e ! sage desires :at 7o!r m57 d n desire1 & does n prize ?+s difficult to get2 he le>ns :at 7o!r m57 d n le>n1 & turns back to :at ! multitude ( m5 h pass$ by4 ,?us he helps ! natural developm5t ( all ?+s1 & does n d>e to act 7) an ult]ior purpose ( 8 own74 #fe4 #a4 ,! anci5ts :o %[$ _! skill 9 practis+ ! ,tao did s1 n to enlight5 ! p1 b r to make !m simple & ignorant4 #b4 ,! difficulty 9 gov]n+ ! p arises f _! hav+ mu* k4 ,he :o 7tries to7 gov]n a /ate by 8 wisdom is a sc\rge to x2 :ile he :o does n 7try to7 d s is a bless+4 #c4 ,he :o kn[s ^! two ?+s f9ds 9 !m also 8 model & rule4 ,ability to "k ?is model & rule con/itutes :at we call ! my/]i\s excell5ce 7( a gov]nor74 ,deep & f>-rea*+ is su* my/]i\s excell5ce1 %[+ inde$ its possessor z opposite to o!rs1 b lead+ !m to a great con=mity to him4 #ff4 #a4 ,t :]eby ! riv]s & seas are able to receive ! homage & tribute ( all ! valley /reams1 is _! skill 9 be+ l[] ?an !y2--x is ?us t !y are ! k+s ( !m all4 ,s x is t ! sage 7rul]71 wi%+ to be above m51 puts himself by 8 words bel[ !m1 &1 wi%+ to be be=e !m1 places 8 p]son beh9d !m4 #b4 ,9 ?is way ?\gh he has 8 place above !m1 m5 d n feel 8 weight1 nor ?\gh he has 8 place be=e !m1 d !y feel x an injury to !m4 #c4 ,!re=e all 9 ! _w delight to exalt him & d n we>y ( him4 ,because he does n /rive1 no "o f9ds x possible to /rive ) him4 #fg4 #a4 ,all ! _w says t1 :ile my ,tao is great1 x yet appe>s to be inf]ior 7to o!r sy/ems ( tea*+74 ,n[ x is j its greatness t makes x seem to be inf]ior4 ,if x 7 l any o!r 7sy/em71 = long w\ld its smallness h be5 kn[n6 #b4 ,b ,i h ?ree preci\s ?+s :i* ,i prize & hold fa/4 ,! fir/ is g5tl5ess2 ! second is economy2 & ! ?ird is %r9k+ f tak+ prec$5ce ( o!rs4 #c4 ,) t g5tl5ess ,i c be bold2 ) t economy ,i c be lib]al2 %r9k+ f tak+ prec$5ce ( o!rs1 ,i c become a vessel ( ! highe/ hon\r4 ,n[-a-days !y give up g5tl5ess & are all = be+ bold2 economy1 & are all = be+ lib]al2 ! h9dmo/ place1 & seek only to be =emo/2--7( all :i* ! end is7 dea?4 #d4 ,g5tl5ess is sure to be victori\s ev5 9 battle1 & firmly to ma9ta9 its gr\nd4 ,heav5 w save its possessor1 by 8 7v7 g5tl5ess protect+ him4 #fh4 ,he :o 9 7,tao's7 w>s has skill ,assumes no m>tial port2 ,he :o fights ) mo/ good w ,to rage makes no resort4 ,he :o vanqui%es yet /ill ,keeps f 8 foes ap>t2 ,he ^: he/s m5 mo/ fulfil ,yet humbly plies 8 art4 ,?us we say1 ',he ne'er cont5ds1 ,& !re9 is 8 might4' ,?us we say1 ',m5's wills he b5ds1 ,t !y ) him unite4' ,?us we say1 ',l ,heav5's 8 ends1 ,no sage ( old m bright4' #fi4 #a4 ,a ma/] ( ! art ( w> has said1 ',i d n d>e to be ! ho/ 7to comm5ce ! w>72 ,i pref] to be ! gue/ 7to act on ! def5sive74 ,i d n d>e to advance an in*2 ,i pref] to retire a foot4' ,?is is call$ m>%all+ ! ranks :]e !re are no ranks2 b>+ ! arms 7to fight7 :]e !re are no arms to b>e2 grasp+ ! weapon :]e !re is no weapon to grasp2 advanc+ aga9/ ! enemy :]e !re is no enemy4 #b4 ,!re is no calamity great] ?an lightly engag+ 9 w>4 ,to d t is ne> los+ 7! g5tl5ess7 :i* is s preci\s4 ,?us x is t :5 oppos+ weapons are 7actually7 cross$1 he :o deplores 7! situation7 conqu]s4 #gj4 #a4 ,my words are v easy to "k1 & v easy to practise2 b !re is no "o 9 ! _w :o is able to "k & able to practise !m4 #b4 ,!re is an orig9at+ & all-compreh5d+ 7pr9ciple7 9 my words1 & an au?oritative law = ! ?+s 7:i* ,i en=ce74 ,x is because !y d n "k ^!1 t m5 d n "k me4 #c4 ,!y :o "k me are few1 & ,i am on t acc\nt 7! m7 to be priz$4 ,x is ?us t ! sage we>s 7a poor g>b (7 hair clo?1 :ile he c>ries 8 7signet (7 jade 9 8 bosom4 #ga4 #a4 ,to "k & yet 7?9k7 we d n "k is ! highe/ 7atta9m5t72 n to "k 7& yet ?9k7 we d "k is a disease4 #b4 ,x is simply by be+ pa9$ at 7! ?\ght (7 hav+ ?is disease t we are pres]v$ f x4 ,! sage has n ! disease4 ,he kn[s ! pa9 t w\ld be insep>able f x1 & !re=e he does n h x4 #gb4 #a4 ,:5 ! p d n fe> :at !y ought to fe>1 t :i* is _! great dread w come on !m4 #b4 ,let !m n ?\ghtlessly indulge !mselves 9 _! ord9>y life2 let !m n act z if we>y ( :at t life dep5ds on4 #c4 ,x is by avoid+ su* indulg5ce t su* we>9ess does n arise4 #d4 ,!re=e ! sage kn[s 7^! ?+s7 ( himself1 b does n p>ade 78 k72 loves1 b does n 7appe> to set a7 value on1 himself4 ,& ?us he puts ! latt] alt]native away & makes *oice ( ! =m]4 #gc4 #a4 ,he ^: boldness appe>s 9 8 d>+ 7to d wrong1 9 defiance ( ! laws7 is put to dea?2 he ^: boldness appe>s 9 8 n d>+ 7to d s7 lives on4 ,( ^! two cases ! "o appe>s to be advantage\s1 & ! o!r to be injuri\s4 ,b ,:5 ,heav5's ang] smites a man1 ,:o ! cause %all truly scan8 ,on ?is acc\nt ! sage feels a difficulty 7z to :at to d 9 ! =m] case74 #b4 ,x is ! way ( ,heav5 n to /rive1 & yet x skilfully ov]comes2 n to speak1 & yet x is skilful 9 obta9+ a reply2 does n call1 & yet m5 come to x ( !mselves4 ,its demon/rations are quiet1 & yet its plans are skilful & effective4 ,! me%es ( ! net ( ,heav5 are l>ge2 f> ap>t1 b lett+ no?+ escape4 #gd4 #a4 ,! p d n fe> dea?2 to :at purpose is x to 7try to7 fright5 !m ) dea?8 ,if ! p 7 always 9 awe ( dea?1 & ,i c\ld always seize ^? :o d wrong1 & put !m to dea?1 :o w\ld d>e to d wrong8 #b4 ,!re is always ,"o :o presides ov] ! infliction ( dea?4 ,he :o w\ld inflict dea? 9 ! room ( him :o s presides ov] x may be describ$ z hew+ wood in/ead ( a great c>p5t]4 ,seldom is x t he :o und]takes ! hew+1 in/ead ( ! great c>p5t]1 does n cut 8 own h&s6 #ge4 #a4 ,! p suff] f fam9e because ( ! multitude ( taxes consum$ by _! sup]iors4 ,x is ?r\gh ?is t !y suff] fam9e4 #b4 ,! p are difficult to gov]n because ( ! 7excessive7 ag5cy ( _! sup]iors 79 gov]n+ !m74 ,x is ?r\gh ?is t !y are difficult to gov]n4 #c4 ,! p make light ( dy+ because ( ! greatness ( _! lab\rs 9 seek+ = ! means ( liv+4 ,x is ?is :i* makes !m ?9k light ( dy+4 ,?us x is t to leave ! subject ( liv+ altoge!r out ( view is bett] ?an to set a high value on x4 #gf4 #a4 ,man at 8 bir? is supple & weak2 at 8 dea?1 firm & /rong4 7,s x is )7 all ?+s4 ,trees & plants1 9 _! e>ly gr[?1 are s(t & brittle2 at _! dea?1 dry & )]$4 #b4 ,?us x is t firmness & /r5g? are ! concomitants ( dea?2 s(tness & weakness1 ! concomitants ( life4 #c4 ,h5ce he :o 7relies on7 ! /r5g? ( 8 =ces does n conqu]2 & a tree :i* is /rong w fill ! out-/ret*$ arms1 7& !reby invites ! fell]47 #d4 ,!re=e ! place ( :at is firm & /rong is bel[1 & t ( :at is s(t & weak is above4 #gg4 #a4 ,may n ! ,way 7or ,tao7 ( ,heav5 be comp>$ to ! 7me?od (7 b5d+ a b[8 ,! 7"p ( ! b[7 :i* 0 high is br\ght l[1 & :at 0 l[ is rais$ up4 7,s ,heav57 dim9i%es :]e !re is sup]abundance1 & supplem5ts :]e !re is defici5cy4 #b4 ,x is ! ,way ( ,heav5 to dim9i% sup]abundance1 & to supplem5t defici5cy4 ,x is n s ) ! way ( man4 ,he takes away f ^? :o h n en\gh to add to 8 own sup]abundance4 #c4 ,:o c take 8 own sup]abundance & !re) s]ve all "u heav58 ,only he :o is 9 possession ( ! ,tao6 #d4 ,!re=e ! 7rul+7 sage acts )\t claim+ ! results z 82 he a*ieves 8 m]it & does n re/ 7arrogantly7 9 x3--he does n wi% to display 8 sup]iority4 #gh4 #a4 ,!re is no?+ 9 ! _w m s(t & weak ?an wat]1 & yet = attack+ ?+s t are firm & /rong !re is no?+ t c take prec$5ce ( x2--= !re is no?+ 7s effectual7 = :i* x c be *ang$4 #b4 ,e "o 9 ! _w kn[s t ! s(t ov]comes ! h>d1 & ! weak ! /rong1 b no "o is able to c>ry x out 9 practice4 #c4 ,!re=e a sage has said1 ',he :o accepts 8 /ate's reproa*1 ,is hail$ !re=e its alt>s' "l2 ,to him :o be>s m5's direful woes ,!y all ! "n ( ,k+ accord4' #d4 ,words t are /rictly true seem to be p>adoxical4 #gi4 #a4 ,:5 a reconciliation is effect$ 7betwe5 two p>ties7 aft] a great animosity1 !re is sure to be a grudge rema9+ 79 ! m9d ( ! "o :o 0 wrong74 ,& h[ c ?is be b5eficial 7to ! o!r78 #b4 ,!re=e 7to gu>d aga9/ ?is71 ! sage keeps ! left-h& portion ( ! record ( ! engagem5t1 & does n insi/ on ! 7spe$y7 fulfilm5t ( x by ! o!r p>ty4 7,s71 he :o has ! attributes 7( ! ,tao7 reg>ds 7only7 ! conditions ( ! engagem5t1 :ile he :o has n ^? attributes reg>ds only ! conditions fav\rable to himself4 #c4 ,9 ! ,way ( ,heav51 !re is no p>tiality ( love2 x is always on ! side ( ! good man4 #hj4 #a4 ,9 a little /ate ) a small population1 ,i w\ld s ord] x1 t1 ?\gh !re 7 individuals ) ! abilities ( t5 or a hundr$ m51 !re %\ld be no employm5t ( !m2 ,i w\ld make ! p1 :ile look+ on dea? z a griev\s ?+1 yet n remove else:]e 7to avoid x74 #b4 ,?\gh !y _h boats & c>riages1 !y %\ld h no occasion to ride 9 !m2 ?\gh !y _h buff coats & %>p weapons1 !y %\ld h no occasion to don or use !m4 #c4 ,i w\ld make ! p return to ! use ( knott$ cords 7in/ead ( ! writt5 *>act]s74 #d4 ,!y %\ld ?9k _! 7co>se7 food sweet2 _! 7pla97 clo!s beautiful2 _! 7poor7 dwell+s places ( re/2 & _! common 7simple7 ways s\rces ( enjoym5t4 #e4 ,!re %\ld be a neighb\r+ /ate )9 sight1 & ! voices ( ! f[ls & dogs %\ld be he>d all ! way f x to u1 b ,i w\ld make ! p to old age1 ev5 to dea?1 n h any int]c\rse ) x4 #ha4 #a4 ,s9c]e words are n f9e2 f9e words are n s9c]e4 ,^? :o are skill$ 79 ! ,tao7 d n dispute 7ab\t x72 ! disputati\s are n skill$ 9 x4 ,^? :o "k 7! ,tao7 are n ext5sively le>n$2 ! ext5sively le>n$ d n "k x4 #b4 ,! sage does n accumulate 7= himself74 ,! m t he exp5ds = o!rs1 ! m does he possess ( 8 own2 ! m t he gives to o!rs1 ! m does he h himself4 #c4 ,) all ! %>pness ( ! ,way ( ,heav51 x injures n2 ) all ! do+ 9 ! way ( ! sage he does n /rive4