When the great Tao is forgotten, benevolence and moral codes arise. When shrewdness and cleverness appear, great hypocrisy follows. When there is no harmony in the family, filial manners are developed When the country is in disorder, ministers appear as loyal servants.
he best leader is one whose existence is barely known by the people. Next comes one whom they love and praise. Next comes one they fear. Next comes one they defy. If you do not trust enough, you will not be trusted. True Persons do not offer words lightly. When their task is accomplished and [...]
Empty everything out; hold fast to your stillness. Even though all things are stirring together, watch for the movement of return. The ten thousand things flourish and then each returns to the root from which it came. Returning to the root is stillness. Through stillness each fulfills its destiny. That which has fulfilled its destiny [...]
The ancient followers of the Tao were subtle, mysterious, and penetrating. They were too deep to be fathomed. All we can do is describe their appearance. Hesitant, as if crossing a winter stream. Watchful, as if aware of neighbors on all sides. Respectful, like a visiting guest. Yielding, like ice beginning to melt. Simple, like [...]
Look at it, you cannot see it. It is invisible. Listen to it, you cannot hear it. It is inaudible. Reach for it, you cannot grasp it. It is intangible. These three qualities are unfathomable and so they fuse together and become one. The upper part is not bright. The lower part is not dark. [...]
Both favor and disgrace bring fear. Great trouble comes from having a body. What is meant by: “Both favor and disgrace bring fear”? Favor leads to a fear of losing it and disgrace leads to a fear of greater trouble. What is meant by: “Great trouble comes from having a body”? The reason you have [...]
