transformation according to circumstances

the government that seems the most unwise.

oft goodness to the people best supplies;

that which is meddling, touching everything.

will work but ill,and disappointment bring.

misery!–happiness is to be found by its side!–misery lurks beneath it!

who knows what either will come to in the end?

shall we then dispense with correction? the method of correction shall by a turn

become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil. the delusion of the people

on this point has indeed subsisted for a long time.

therefore the sage is like a square which cuts no one with its angles; like a corner which injures no one with its sharpness.

he is straightforward, but allows

himself no license; he is bright, but does not dazzle.

Great or Overflowing virtue

who thinks his great achievements poor shall find

his vigor long and endure. of greatest fulness.

deemed a void, exhaustion neer shall stem the tide.

do thou whats straight still crooked deem;

thy greatest art still stupid seem. and eloquence a

stammering scream.

constant action overcomes cold;being still

overcomes heat.

purity and stillness give the correct law to all

under heaven.