When the people do not fear what they ought to fear, that which
is their great dread will come on them.

Let them not thoughtlessly indulge themselves in their ordinary
life; let them not act as if weary of what that life depends on.

It is by avoiding such indulgence that such weariness does not
arise.

Therefore the sage knows (these things) of himself, but does not
parade (his knowledge); loves, but does not (appear to set a) value
on, himself. And thus he puts the latter alternative away and makes
choice of the former.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn’t laugh,
it wouldn’t be the Tao.

Thus it is said:
The path into the light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak,
true purity seems tarnished,
true steadfastness seems changeable,
true clarity seems obscure,
the greatest seem unsophisticated,
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the greatest wisdom seems childish.

The Tao is nowhere to be found.
Yet it nourishes and completes all things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight;
Empty and be full;
Wear out and be new;
Have little and gain;
Have much and be confused.
Therefore the wise embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say, “Yield and overcome.”
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In caring for others and serving heaven,
There is nothing like using restraint.
Restraint begins with giving up one’s own ideas.
This depends on Virtue gathered in the past.
If there is a good store of Virtue, then nothing is impossible.
If nothing is impossible, then there are no limits.
If a man knows no limits, then he is fit to be a ruler.
The mother principle of ruling holds good for a long time.
This is called having deep roots and a firm foundation,
The Tao of long life and eternal vision.

 

 

 

the walking bridge

 

 

 

Tao is an eternal mystery,

so small you can never take hold of it.

 

If a leader gets right with Tao,

people will follow him on instinct.

All will be right with the world.

People will do the right thing

without being told.

 

Everything that comes from Tao

needs a name.

But once everything has its name,

you should make no other distinction between things.

This prevents you

from becoming trapped by them.

 

Everything in the universe is full of Tao

and leads to Tao,

just like the water in rivers

that flows into oceans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Doing the right thing” is like water.

It’s good for all living things,and flows without thinking about where it’s going

 

…just like Tao.

 

Keep your feet on the ground.

Remember what’s important.

Be there when people need you.

Say what you mean.

Be prepared for anything.

Do whatever you can,

whenever it needs doing.

 

If you don’t

compare yourself to others,

nobody can compare to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are strong,

but remain sensitive,

power will flow through you.

With that power,

you’ll always be right with Tao:

It’s like a whole new life.

 

If you are idealistic,

but stay rooted in reality,

you are an example to others.

Set that example,

and you’ll always be right with Tao:

There is no limit to what you can do.

 

If you are honorable,

but remain humble,

you will see things as they are.

If you see things as they are,

you’ll always be right with Tao:

Your life will become simple,

yet full of potential.

 

Let Tao show you

how to get right with Tao,

so your slightest gesture

can change the world.