T
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 46
Chapter 48
Chapter 47
1
Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes place) under the sky; without looking out from his window, one sees the Tao of Heaven. The farther that one goes out (from himself), the less he knows.
2
Therefore the sages got their… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Part 2
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
1
(Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those attributes (sought how) not to lose them, and therefore… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Part 2
The Book of Dào
The first part of the Dàodéjīng, the Book of Dào addresses the idea of the Way (Dào). The Way of the Dàodéjīng refers to an intangible essence of the universe, described through poetic allusion and paradoxes. Beginning with a challenging and poetic puzzle for reader… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
Chapter 9
1
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
2
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 7
Chapter 9
Chapter 8
1
The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.
2… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
1
Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are able to continue and endure.
2
Therefore the sage puts… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 6
1
The valley spirit dies not, aye the same;
The female mystery thus do we name.
Its gate, from which at first they issued forth,
Is called the root from which grew heaven and earth.
Long and unbroken does its power remain,
Used gently, and without the… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 5
1
Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with. The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 4
1
The Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it we must be on our guard against all fulness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the Honoured Ancestor of all things!
2
We should blunt our sharp points, and unravel… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 36
Part 2
Chapter 37
1
The Tao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do.
2
If princes and kings were able to maintain it, all things would of themselves be transformed by them.
3
If this transformation… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 35
Chapter 37
Chapter 36
1
When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a (previous) expiration; when he is going to weaken another, he will first strengthen him; when he is going to overthrow another, he will first have raised him up; when he is going to… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 34
Chapter 36
Chapter 35
1
To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease.
2
Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 33
Chapter 35
Chapter 34
1
All-pervading is the Great Tao! It may be found on the left hand and on the right.
2
All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 32
Chapter 34
Chapter 33
1
He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.
2
He who… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Chapter 3
1
Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely to excite… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 31
Chapter 33
Chapter 32
1
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name.
2
Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with (one embodying) it as a minister. If a feudal prince or the king could guard and hold it, all would… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 30
Chapter 32
Chapter 31
1
Now arms, however beautiful, are instruments of evil omen, hateful, it may be said, to all creatures. Therefore they who have the Tao do not like to employ them.
2
The superior man ordinarily considers the left hand the most honourable place, but in… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 29
Chapter 31
Chapter 30
1
He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return.
2
Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the sequence… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 28
Chapter 30
Chapter 29
1
If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it… Read more
Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi, trans. James Legge
Chapter 27
Chapter 29
Chapter 28
1
Who knows his manhood's strength,
Yet still his female feebleness maintains;
As to one channel flow the many drains,
All come to him, yea, all beneath the sky.
Thus he the constant excellence retains;
The simple child again, free from all stains.
Who… Read more
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