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<section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 1</h2>
    <pre>The tao that can be described
    is not the eternal Tao.
    The name that can be spoken
    is not the eternal Name.
    The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth.
    The named is the mother of creation.
    Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery.
    By having desire, you can only see what is visibly
    real.
    Yet mystery and reality
    emerge from the same source.
    This source is called darkness.
    Darkness born from darkness.
    The beginning of all understanding.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 2</h2>
    <pre>When people see things as beautiful,
    ugliness is created.
    When people see things as good,
    evil is created.
    Being and non-being produce each other.
    Difficult and easy complement each other.
    Long and short define each other.
    High and low oppose each other.
    Fore and aft follow each other.
    Therefore the Master
    can act without doing anything
    and teach without saying a word.
    Things come her way and she does not stop them;
    things leave and she lets them go.
    She has without possessing,
    and acts without any expectations.
    When her work is done, she takes no credit.
    That is why it will last forever.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 3</h2>
    <pre>If you over esteem talented individuals,
    people will become overly competitive.
    If you overvalue possessions,
    people will begin to steal.
    
    Do not display your treasures
    or people will become envious.
    The Master leads by
    emptying people's minds,
    filling their bellies,
    weakening their ambitions,
    and making them become strong.
    Preferring simplicity and freedom from desires,
    avoiding the pitfalls of knowledge and wrong action.
    For those who practice not-doing,
    everything will fall into place.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 4</h2>
    <pre>The Tao is like an empty container:
    it can never be emptied and can never be filled.
    Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things.
    It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted,
    shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with
    dust.
    It is hidden but always present.
    I don't know who gave birth to it.
    It is older than the concept of God.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 5</h2>
    <pre>Heaven and Earth are impartial;
    they treat all of creation as straw dogs. The Master doesn't take sides;
    she treats everyone like a straw dog.
    The space between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows;
    it is empty, yet has not lost its power.
    The more it is used, the more it produces;
    the more you talk of it, the less you comprehend.
    It is better not to speak of things you do not understand.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 6</h2>
    <pre>The spirit of emptiness is immortal.
    It is called the Great Mother
    because it gives birth to Heaven and Earth.
    It is like a vapor,
    barely seen but always present.
    Use it effortlessly.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 7</h2>
    <pre>The Tao of Heaven is eternal,
    and the earth is long enduring.
    Why are they long enduring?
    They do not live for themselves;
    thus they are present for all beings.
    The Master puts herself last;
    and finds herself in the place of authority.
    She detaches herself from all things;
    therefore she is united with all things.
    She gives no thought to self.
    She is perfectly fulfilled.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 8</h2>
    <pre>The supreme good is like water,
    which benefits all of creation
    without trying to compete with it.
    It gathers in unpopular places.
    Thus it is like the Tao.
    The location makes the dwelling good.
    Depth of understanding makes the mind good.
    A kind heart makes the giving good.
    Integrity makes the government good.
    Accomplishment makes your labors good.
    Proper timing makes a decision good.
    
    Only when there is no competition
    will we all live in peace.</pre>
    </section>
    
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 9</h2>
    <pre>It is easier to carry an empty cup
    than one that is filled to the brim.
    The sharper the knife
    the easier it is to dull.
    The more wealth you possess
    the harder it is to protect.
    Pride brings its own trouble.
    When you have accomplished your goal
    simply walk away.
    This is the pathway to Heaven.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 10</h2>
    <pre>Nurture the darkness of your soul
    until you become whole.
    Can you do this and not fail?
    Can you focus your life-breath until you become
    supple as a newborn child?
    While you cleanse your inner vision
    will you be found without fault?
    
    Can you love people and lead them
    without forcing your will on them?
    When Heaven gives and takes away
    can you be content with the outcome?
    When you understand all things
    can you step back from your own understanding?
    Giving birth and nourishing,
    making without possessing,
    expecting nothing in return.
    To grow, yet not to control:
    This is the mysterious virtue.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 11</h2>
    <pre>Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,
    but it is the center hole
    that allows the wheel to function.
    We mold clay into a pot,
    but it is the emptiness inside
    that makes the vessel useful.
    We fashion wood for a house,
    but it is the emptiness inside
    that makes it livable.
    We work with the substantial,
    but the emptiness is what we use.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 12</h2>
    <pre>Five colors blind the eye.
    Five notes deafen the ear.
    Five flavors make the palate go stale.
    Too much activity deranges the mind.
    Too much wealth causes crime.
    The Master acts on what she feels and not what she
    sees.
    She shuns the latter, and prefers to seek the
    former.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 13</h2>
    <pre>Success is as dangerous as failure,
    and we are often our own worst enemy.
    What does it mean that success is as dangerous as
    failure?
    He who is superior is also someone's subordinate.
    Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm.
    That is what is meant by success is as dangerous as
    failure.
    What does it mean that we are often our own worst
    enemy?
    The reason I have an enemy is because I have "self".
    
    If I no longer had a "self", I would no longer have
    an enemy.
    Love the whole world as if it were your self;
    then you will truly care for all things.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 14</h2>
    <pre>Look for it, and it can't be seen.
    Listen for it, and it can't be heard.
    Grasp for it, and it can't be caught.
    These three cannot be further described,
    so we treat them as The One.
    Its highest is not bright.
    Its depths are not dark.
    Unending, unnamable, it returns to nothingness.
    Formless forms, and imageless images,
    subtle, beyond all understanding.
    Approach it and you will not see a beginning;
    follow it and there will be no end.
    When we grasp the Tao of the ancient ones,
    we can use it to direct our life today.
    To know the ancient origin of Tao:
    this is the beginning of wisdom.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 15</h2>
    <pre>The Sages of old were profound
    and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.
    Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.
    Because their knowledge was so far superior
    I can only give a poor description.
    They were careful
    as someone crossing a frozen stream in winter.
    Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy.
    Courteous as a guest.
    Fluid as melting ice.
    Whole as an uncarved block of wood.
    Receptive as a valley.
    Turbid as muddied water.
    Who can be still
    until their mud settles
    and the water is cleared by itself?
    Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by
    itself?
    The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
    For only those who are not full are able to be used
    which brings the feeling of completeness.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 16</h2>
    <pre>If you can empty your mind of all thoughts
    your heart will embrace the tranquility of peace.
    Watch the workings of all of creation,
    but contemplate their return to the source.
    All creatures in the universe
    return to the point where they began.
    Returning to the source is tranquility
    because we submit to Heaven's mandate.
    Returning to Heaven's mandate is called being
    constant.
    Knowing the constant is called 'enlightenment'.
    Not knowing the constant is the source of evil deeds
    because we have no roots.
    By knowing the constant we can accept things as they
    are.
    By accepting things as they are, we become
    impartial.
    By being impartial, we become one with Heaven.
    By being one with Heaven, we become one with Tao.
    Being one with Tao, we are no longer concerned about
    losing our life because we know the Tao is constant
    and we are one with Tao.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 17</h2>
    <pre>The best leaders are those the people hardly know
    exist.
    The next best is a leader who is loved and praised.
    Next comes the one who is feared.
    The worst one is the leader who is despised.
    If you don't trust the people,
    they will become untrustworthy.
    The best leaders value their words, and use them
    sparingly.
    When she has accomplished her task,
    the people say, "Amazing:
    we did it, all by ourselves!"</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 18</h2>
    <pre>When the great Tao is abandoned,
    charity and righteousness appear.
    When intellectualism arises,
    hypocrisy is close behind.
    When there is strife in the family unit,
    people talk about 'brotherly love'.
    When the country falls into chaos,
    politicians talk about 'patriotism'.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 19</h2>
    <pre>Forget about knowledge and wisdom,
    and people will be a hundred times better off.
    Throw away charity and righteousness,
    and people will return to brotherly love.
    Throw away profit and greed,
    and there won't be any thieves.
    These three are superficial and aren't enough
    to keep us at the center of the circle, so we must
    also:
    Embrace simplicity.
    Put others first.
    Desire little.
    </pre>
    </section>
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 20</h2>
    <pre>Renounce knowledge and your problems will end.
    What is the difference between yes and no?
    What is the difference between good and evil?
    Must you fear what others fear?
    Nonsense, look how far you have missed the mark!
    Other people are joyous,
    as though they were at a spring festival.
    I alone am unconcerned and expressionless,
    like an infant before it has learned to smile.
    Other people have more than they need;
    
    I alone seem to possess nothing.
    I am lost and drift about with no place to go.
    I am like a fool, my mind is in chaos.
    Ordinary people are bright;
    I alone am dark.
    Ordinary people are clever;
    I alone am dull.
    Ordinary people seem discriminating;
    I alone am muddled and confused.
    I drift on the waves on the ocean,
    blown at the mercy of the wind.
    Other people have their goals,
    I alone am dull and uncouth.
    I am different from ordinary people.
    I nurse from the Great Mother's breasts.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 21</h2>
    <pre>The greatest virtue you can have
    comes from following only the Tao;
    which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.
    Even though the Tao is intangible and evasive,
    we are able to know it exists.
    Intangible and evasive, yet it has a manifestation.
    Secluded and dark, yet there is a vitality within
    it.
    
    Its vitality is very genuine.
    Within it we can find order.
    Since the beginning of time, the Tao has always
    existed.
    It is beyond existing and not existing.
    How do I know where creation comes from?
    I look inside myself and see it.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 22</h2>
    <pre>If you want to become whole,
    first let yourself become broken.
    If you want to become straight,
    first let yourself become twisted.
    If you want to become full,
    first let yourself become empty.
    If you want to become new,
    first let yourself become old.
    Those whose desires are few get them,
    those whose desires are great go astray.
    For this reason the Master embraces the Tao,
    as an example for the world to follow.
    Because she isn't self centered,
    people can see the light in her.
    Because she does not boast of herself,
    she becomes a shining example.
    
    Because she does not glorify herself,
    she becomes a person of merit.
    Because she wants nothing from the world,
    the world can not overcome her.
    When the ancient Masters said,
    "If you want to become whole,
    then first let yourself be broken,"
    they weren't using empty words.
    All who do this will be made complete.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 23</h2>
    <pre>Nature uses few words:
    when the gale blows, it will not last long;
    when it rains hard, it lasts but a little while;
    What causes these to happen? Heaven and Earth.
    Why do we humans go on endlessly about little
    when nature does much in a little time?
    If you open yourself to the Tao,
    you and Tao become one.
    If you open yourself to Virtue,
    then you can become virtuous.
    If you open yourself to loss,
    then you will become lost.
    If you open yourself to the Tao,
    the Tao will eagerly welcome you.
    
    If you open yourself
    virtue will become a
    If you open yourself
    the lost are glad to
    
    to virtue,
    part of you.
    to loss,
    see you.
    
    "When you do not trust people,
    people will become untrustworthy."</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 24</h2>
    <pre>Those who stand on tiptoes
    do not stand firmly.
    Those who rush ahead
    don't get very far.
    Those who try to outshine others
    dim their own light.
    Those who call themselves righteous
    can't know how wrong they are.
    Those who boast of their accomplishments
    diminish the things they have done.
    Compared to the Tao, these actions are unworthy.
    If we are to follow the Tao, we must not do these
    things.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 25</h2>
    <pre>Before the universe was born
    there was something in the chaos of the heavens.
    It stands alone and empty,
    solitary and unchanging.
    It is ever present and secure.
    It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe.
    Because I do not know its name,
    I call it the Tao.
    If forced to give it a name,
    I would call it 'Great'.
    Because it is Great means it is everywhere.
    Being everywhere means it is eternal.
    Being eternal means everything returns to it.
    Tao is great.
    Heaven is great.
    Earth is great.
    Humanity is great.
    Within the universe, these are the four great
    things.
    Humanity follows the earth.
    Earth follows Heaven.
    Heaven follows the Tao.
    The Tao follows only itself.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 26</h2>
    <pre>Heaviness is the basis of lightness.
    Stillness is the standard of activity.
    Thus the Master travels all day
    without ever leaving her wagon.
    Even though she has much to see,
    she is at peace in her indifference.
    Why should the lord of a thousand chariots
    be amused at the foolishness of the world?
    If you abandon yourself to foolishness,
    you lose touch with your beginnings.
    If you let yourself become distracted,
    you will lose the basis of your power.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 27</h2>
    <pre>A good traveler leaves no tracks,
    and a skillful speaker is well rehearsed.
    A good bookkeeper has an excellent memory,
    and a well made door is easy to open and needs no
    locks.
    A good knot needs no rope and it can not come
    undone.
    Thus the Master is willing to help everyone,
    and doesn't know the meaning of rejection.
    She is there to help all of creation,
    
    and doesn't abandon even the smallest creature.
    This is called embracing the light.
    What is a good person but a bad person's teacher?
    What is a bad person but raw material for his
    teacher?
    If you fail to honor your teacher or fail to enjoy
    your student,
    you will become deluded no matter how smart you are.
    It is the secret of prime importance.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 28</h2>
    <pre>Know the masculine,
    but keep to the feminine:
    and become a watershed to the world.
    If you embrace the world,
    the Tao will never leave you
    and you become as a little child.
    Know the white,
    yet keep to the black:
    be a model for the world.
    If you are a model for the world,
    the Tao inside you will strengthen
    and you will return whole to your eternal beginning.
    
    Know the honorable,
    but do not shun the disgraced:
    embracing the world as it is.
    If you embrace the world with compassion,
    then your virtue will return you to the Uncarved
    Block.
    The block of wood is carved into utensils
    by carving void into the wood.
    The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to
    the block
    because of its limitless possibilities.
    Great works do not involve discarding substance.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 29</h2>
    <pre>Do you want to rule the world and control it?
    I don't think it can ever be done.
    The world is a sacred vessel
    and it can not be controlled.
    You will only make it worse if you try.
    It may slip through your fingers and disappear.
    Some are meant to lead,
    and others are meant to follow;
    some must always strain,
    and others have an easy time;
    some are naturally big and strong,
    
    and others will always be small;
    some will be protected and nurtured,
    and others will meet with destruction.
    The Master accepts things as they are,
    and out of compassion avoids extravagance,
    excess and the extremes.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 30</h2>
    <pre>Those who lead people by following the Tao
    don't use weapons to enforce their will.
    Using force always leads to unseen troubles.
    In the places where armies march,
    thorns and briars bloom and grow.
    After armies take to war,
    bad years must always follow.
    The skillful commander
    strikes a decisive blow then stops.
    When victory is won over the enemy through war
    it is not a thing of great pride.
    When the battle is over,
    arrogance is the new enemy.
    War can result when no other alternative is given,
    so the one who overcomes an enemy should not
    dominate them.
    The strong are always weakened with time.
    
    This is not the way of the Tao.
    That which is not of the Tao will soon end.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 31</h2>
    <pre>Weapons are the bearers of bad news;
    all people should detest them.
    The wise man values the left side,
    and in time of war he values the right.
    Weapons are meant for destruction,
    and thus are avoided by the wise.
    Only as a last resort
    will a wise person use a deadly weapon.
    If peace is her true objective
    how can she rejoice in the victory of war?
    Those who rejoice in victory
    delight in the slaughter of humanity.
    Those who resort to violence
    will never bring peace to the world.
    The left side is a place of honor on happy
    occasions.
    The right side is reserved for mourning at a
    funeral.
    When the lieutenants take the left side to prepare
    for war,
    the general should be on the right side,
    because he knows the outcome will be death.
    
    The death of many should be greeted with great
    sorrow,
    and the victory celebration should honor those who
    have died.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 32</h2>
    <pre>The Tao is nameless and unchanging.
    Although it appears insignificant,
    nothing in the world can contain it.
    If a ruler abides by its principles,
    then her people will willingly follow.
    Heaven would then reign on earth,
    like sweet rain falling on paradise.
    People would have no need for laws,
    because the law would be written on their hearts.
    Naming is a necessity for order,
    but naming can not order all things.
    Naming often makes things impersonal,
    so we should know when naming should end.
    Knowing when to stop naming,
    you can avoid the pitfall it brings.
    All things end in the Tao
    just as the small streams and the largest rivers
    flow through valleys to the sea.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 33</h2>
    <pre>Those who know others are intelligent;
    those who know themselves are truly wise.
    Those who master others are strong;
    those who master themselves have true power.
    Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy.
    Those who persist will reach their goal.
    Those who keep their course have a strong will.
    Those who embrace death will not perish,
    but have life everlasting.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 34</h2>
    <pre>The great Tao flows unobstructed in every direction.
    All things rely on it to conceive and be born,
    and it does not deny even the smallest of creation.
    When it has accomplished great wonders,
    it does not claim them for itself.
    It nourishes infinite worlds,
    yet it doesn't seek to master the smallest creature.
    Since it is without wants and desires,
    
    it can be considered humble.
    All of creation seeks it for refuge
    yet it does not seek to master or control.
    Because it does not seek greatness,
    it is able to accomplish truly great things.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 35</h2>
    <pre>She who follows the way of the Tao
    will draw the world to her steps.
    She can go without fear of being injured,
    because she has found peace and tranquility in her
    heart.
    Where there is music and good food,
    people will stop to enjoy it.
    But words spoken of the Tao
    seem to them boring and stale.
    When looked at, there is nothing for them to see.
    When listened for, there is nothing for them to
    hear.
    Yet if they put it to use, it would never be
    exhausted.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 36</h2>
    <pre>If you want something to return to the source,
    you must first allow it to spread out.
    If you want something to weaken,
    you must first allow it to become strong.
    If you want something to be removed,
    you must first allow it to flourish.
    If you want to possess something,
    you must first give it away.
    This is called the subtle understanding
    of how things are meant to be.
    The soft and pliable overcomes the hard and
    inflexible.
    Just as fish remain hidden in deep waters,
    it is best to keep weapons out of sight.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 37</h2>
    <pre>The Tao never acts with force,
    yet there is nothing that it can not do.
    If rulers could follow the way of the Tao,
    then all of creation would willingly follow their
    example.
    If selfish desires were to arise after their
    transformation,
    
    I would erase them with the power of the Uncarved
    Block.
    By the power of the Uncarved Block,
    future generations would lose their selfish desires.
    By losing their selfish desires,
    the world would naturally settle into peace.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 38</h2>
    <pre>The highest good is not to seek to do good,
    but to allow yourself to become it.
    The ordinary person seeks to do good things,
    and finds that they can not do them continually.
    The Master does not
    thus she is able to
    The ordinary person
    will find that they
    
    force virtue on others,
    accomplish her task.
    who uses force,
    accomplish nothing.
    
    The kind person acts from the heart,
    and accomplishes a multitude of things.
    The righteous person acts out of pity,
    yet leaves many things undone.
    The moral person will act out of duty,
    and when no one responds
    will roll up his sleeves and uses force.
    
    When the Tao is forgotten, there is righteousness.
    When righteousness is forgotten, there is morality.
    When morality is forgotten, there is the law.
    The law is the husk of faith,
    and trust is the beginning of chaos.
    Our basic understandings are not from the Tao
    because they come from the depths of our
    misunderstanding.
    The master abides in the fruit and not in the husk.
    She dwells in the Tao,
    and not with the things that hide it.
    This is how she increases in wisdom.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 39</h2>
    <pre>The masters of old attained unity with the Tao.
    Heaven attained unity and became pure.
    The earth attained unity and found peace.
    The spirits attained unity so they could minister.
    The valleys attained unity that they might be full.
    Humanity attained unity that they might flourish.
    Their leaders attained unity that they might set the
    example.
    This is the power of unity.
    Without unity, the sky becomes filthy.
    Without unity, the earth becomes unstable.
    
    Without unity, the spirits become unresponsive and
    disappear.
    Without unity, the valleys become dry as a desert.
    Without unity, human kind can't reproduce and
    becomes extinct.
    Without unity, our leaders become corrupt and fall.
    The great view the small as their source,
    and the high takes the low as their foundation.
    Their greatest asset becomes their humility.
    They speak of themselves as orphans and widows,
    thus they truly seek humility.
    Do not shine like the precious gem,
    but be as dull as a common stone.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 40</h2>
    <pre>All movement returns to the Tao.
    Weakness is how the Tao works.
    All of creation is born from substance.
    Substance is born of nothing-ness.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 41</h2>
    <pre>When a superior person hears of the Tao,
    She diligently puts it into practice.
    When an average person hears of the Tao,
    he believes half of it, and doubts the other half.
    When a foolish person hears of the Tao,
    he laughs out loud at the very idea.
    If he didn't laugh,
    it wouldn't be the Tao.
    Thus it is said:
    The brightness of the Tao seems like darkness,
    the advancement of the Tao seems like retreat,
    the level path seems rough,
    the superior path seems empty,
    the pure seems to be tarnished,
    and true virtue doesn't seem to be enough.
    The virtue of caution seems like cowardice,
    the pure seems to be polluted,
    the true square seems to have no corners,
    the best vessels take the most time to finish,
    the greatest sounds cannot be heard,
    and the greatest image has no form.
    The Tao hides in the unnamed,
    yet it alone nourishes and completes all things.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 42</h2>
    <pre>The Tao gave birth to One.
    The One gave birth to Two.
    The Two gave birth to Three.
    The Three gave birth to all of creation.
    All things carry Yin
    yet embrace Yang.
    They blend their life breaths
    in order to produce harmony.
    People despise being orphaned, widowed and poor.
    But the noble ones take these as their titles.
    In losing, much is gained,
    and in gaining, much is lost.
    What others teach I too will teach:
    "The strong and violent will not die a natural
    death."</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 43</h2>
    <pre>That which offers no resistance,
    overcomes the hardest substances.
    That which offers no resistance
    can enter where there is no space.
    
    Few in the world can comprehend
    the teaching without words,
    or understand the value of non-action.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 44</h2>
    <pre>Which is more important, your honor or your life?
    Which is more valuable, your possessions or your
    person?
    Which is more destructive, success or failure?
    Because of this, great love extracts a great cost
    and true wealth requires greater loss.
    Knowing when you have enough avoids dishonor,
    and knowing when to stop will keep you from danger
    and bring you a long, happy life.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 45</h2>
    <pre>The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect,
    yet their usefulness is not diminished.
    The greatest fullness seems empty,
    yet it will be inexhaustible.
    
    The greatest straightness seems crooked.
    The most valued skill seems like clumsiness.
    The greatest speech seems full of stammers.
    Movement overcomes the cold,
    and stillness overcomes the heat.
    That which is pure and still is the universal ideal.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 46</h2>
    <pre>When the world follows the Tao,
    horses run free to fertilize the fields.
    When the world does not follow the Tao,
    war horses are bred outside the cities.
    There is no greater transgression
    than condoning people's selfish desires,
    no greater disaster than being discontent,
    and no greater retribution than for greed.
    Whoever knows contentment will be at peace forever.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 47</h2>
    <pre>Without opening your door,
    you can know the whole world.
    Without looking out of your window, you can understand the way of the Tao.
    The more knowledge you seek, the less you will understand.
    The Master understands without leaving,
    sees clearly without looking,
    and accomplishes much without doing anything.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 48
    </h2>
    <pre>One who seeks knowledge learns something new every
    day.
    One who seeks the Tao unlearns something new every
    day.
    Less and less remains until you arrive at nonaction.
    When you arrive at non-action,
    nothing will be left undone.
    Mastery of the world is achieved
    by letting things take their natural course.
    You can not master the world by changing the natural
    way.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 49</h2>
    <pre>The Master has no mind of her own.
    She understands the mind of the people.
    To those who are good she treats as good.
    To those who aren't good she also treats as good.
    This is how she attains true goodness.
    She trusts people who are trustworthy.
    She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy.
    This is how she gains true trust.
    The Master's mind is shut off from the world.
    Only for the sake of the people does she muddle her
    mind.
    They look to her in anticipation. Yet she treats
    them all as her children.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 50</h2>
    <pre>Those who leave the womb at birth
    and those who enter their source at death,
    of these; three out of ten celebrate life,
    three out of ten celebrate death,
    and three out of ten simply go from life to death.
    What is the reason for this?
    
    Because they are afraid of dying,
    therefore they can not live.
    I have heard that those who celebrate life
    walk safely among the wild animals.
    When they go into battle, they remain unharmed.
    The animals find no place to attack them
    and the weapons are unable to harm them.
    Why? Because they can find no place for death in
    them.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 51</h2>
    <pre>The Tao gives birth to all of creation.
    The virtue of Tao in nature nurtures them,
    and their family gives them their form.
    Their environment then shapes them into completion.
    That is why every creature honors the Tao and its
    virtue.
    No one tells them to honor the Tao and its virtue,
    it happens all by itself.
    So the Tao gives them birth,
    and its virtue cultivates them,
    cares for them,
    nurtures them,
    gives them a place of refuge and peace,
    helps them to grow and shelters them.
    
    It gives them life without wanting to posses them,
    and cares for them expecting nothing in return.
    It is their master, but it does not seek to dominate
    them.
    This is called the dark and mysterious virtue.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 52</h2>
    <pre>The world had a beginning
    which we call the Great Mother.
    Once we have found the Mother,
    we begin to know what Her children should be.
    When we know we are the Mother's children,
    we begin to guard the qualities of the Mother in us.
    She will protect us from all danger
    even if we lose our life.
    Keep your mouth closed
    and embrace a simple life,
    and you will live care-free until the end of your
    days.
    If you try to talk your way into a better life
    there will be no end to your trouble.
    To understand the small is called clarity.
    Knowing how to yield is called strength.
    To use your inner light for understanding
    
    regardless of the danger
    is called depending on the Constant.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 53</h2>
    <pre>If I understood only one thing,
    I would want to use it to follow the Tao.
    My only fear would be one of pride.
    The Tao goes in the level places,
    but people prefer to take the short cuts.
    If too much time is spent cleaning the house
    the land will become neglected and full of weeds,
    and the granaries will soon become empty
    because there is no one out working the fields.
    To wear fancy clothes and ornaments,
    to have your fill of food and drink
    and to waste all of your money buying possessions
    is called the crime of excess.
    Oh, how these things go against the way of the Tao!</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 54</h2>
    <pre>That which is well built
    will never be torn down.
    That which is well latched
    can not slip away.
    Those who do things well
    will be honored from generation to generation.
    If this idea is cultivated in the individual,
    then his virtue will become genuine.
    If this idea is cultivated in your family,
    then virtue in your family will be great.
    If this idea is cultivated in your community,
    then virtue will go a long way.
    If this idea is cultivated in your country,
    then virtue will be in many places.
    If this idea is cultivated in the world,
    then virtue will be with everyone.
    Then observe the person for what the person does,
    and observe the family for what it does,
    and observe the community for what it does,
    and observe the country for what it does,
    and observe the world for what it does.
    How do I know this saying is true?
    I observe these things and see.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 55</h2>
    <pre>One who is filled with the Tao
    is like a newborn child.
    The infant is protected from
    the stinging insects, wild beasts, and birds of
    prey.
    Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak,
    but its grip is firm and strong.
    It doesn't know about the union
    of male and female,
    yet his penis can stand erect,
    because of the power of life within him.
    It can cry all day and never become hoarse.
    This is perfect harmony.
    To understand harmony is to understand the Constant.
    To know the Constant is to be called 'enlightened'.
    To unnaturally try to extend life is not
    appropriate.
    To try and alter the life-breath is unnatural.
    The master understands that when something reaches
    its prime
    it will soon begin to decline.
    Changing the natural is against the way of the Tao.
    Those who do it will come to an early end.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 56</h2>
    <pre>Those who know do not talk.
    Those who talk do not know.
    Stop talking,
    meditate in silence,
    blunt your sharpness,
    release your worries,
    harmonize your inner light,
    and become one with the dust.
    Doing this is called the dark and mysterious
    identity.
    Those who have achieved the mysterious identity
    can not be approached, and they can not be
    alienated.
    They can not be benefited nor harmed.
    They can not be made noble nor to suffer disgrace.
    This makes them the most noble of all under the
    heavens.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 57</h2>
    <pre>Govern your country with integrity,
    Weapons of war can be used with great cunning,
    but loyalty is only won by not-doing.
    How do I know the way things are?
    By these:
    
    The
    the
    The
    the
    The
    the
    The
    the
    
    more prohibitions you make,
    poorer people will be.
    more weapons you posses,
    greater the chaos in your country.
    more knowledge that is acquired,
    stranger the world will become.
    more laws that you make,
    greater the number of criminals.
    
    Therefore the Master says:
    I do nothing,
    and people become good by themselves.
    I seek peace,
    and people take care of their own problems.
    I do not meddle in their personal lives,
    and the people become prosperous.
    I let go of all my desires,
    and the people return to the Uncarved Block.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 58</h2>
    <pre>If a government is unobtrusive,
    the people become whole.
    If a government is repressive,
    the people become treacherous.
    Good fortune has its roots in disaster,
    and disaster lurks with good fortune.
    
    Who knows why these things happen,
    or when this cycle will end?
    Good things seem to change into bad,
    and bad things often turn out for good.
    These things have always been hard to comprehend.
    Thus the Master makes things change
    without interfering.
    She is probing yet causes no harm.
    Straightforward, yet does not impose her will.
    Radiant, and easy on the eye.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 59</h2>
    <pre>There is nothing better than moderation
    for teaching people or serving Heaven.
    Those who use moderation
    are already on the path to the Tao.
    Those who follow the Tao early
    will have an abundance of virtue.
    When there is an abundance of virtue,
    there is nothing that can not be done.
    Where there is limitless ability,
    then the kingdom is within your grasp.
    When you know the Mother of the kingdom,
    then you will be long enduring.
    
    This is spoken of as the deep root and the firm
    trunk,
    the Way to a long life and great spiritual vision.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 60</h2>
    <pre>Governing a large country
    is like frying small fish.
    Too much poking spoils the meat.
    When the Tao is used to govern the world
    then evil will lose its power to harm the people.
    Not that evil will no longer exist,
    but only because it has lost its power.
    Just as evil can lose its ability to harm,
    the Master shuns the use of violence.
    If you give evil nothing to oppose,
    then virtue will return by itself.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 61</h2>
    <pre>A large country should take the low place like a
    great watershed,
    which from its low position assumes the female role.
    The female overcomes the male by the power of her
    position.
    Her tranquility gives rise to her humility.
    If a large country takes the low position,
    it will be able to influence smaller countries.
    If smaller countries take the lower position,
    then they can allow themselves to be influenced.
    So both seek to take the lower position
    in order to influence the other, or be influenced.
    Large countries should desire to protect and help
    the people,
    and small countries should desire to serve others.
    Both large and small countries benefit greatly from
    humility.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 62</h2>
    <pre>The Tao is the tabernacle of creation,
    it is a treasure for those who are good,
    and a place of refuge for those who are not.
    How can those who are not good be abandoned?
    Words that are beautiful are worth much,
    but good behavior can only be learned by example.
    When a new leader takes office,
    don't give him gifts and offerings.
    These things are not as valuable
    as teaching him about the Tao.
    Why did the ancient Masters esteem the Tao?
    Is it not said: "With it we find without looking.
    With it we find forgiveness for our transgressions."
    That is why the world can not understand it.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 63</h2>
    <pre>Act by not acting;
    do by not doing.
    Enjoy the plain and simple.
    Find that greatness in the small.
    Take care of difficult problems
    while they are still easy;
    Do easy things before they become too hard.
    
    Difficult problems are best solved while they are
    easy.
    Great projects are best started while they are
    small.
    The Master never takes on more than she can handle,
    which means that she leaves nothing undone.
    When an affirmation is given too lightly,
    keep your eyes open for trouble ahead.
    When something seems too easy,
    difficulty is hiding in the details.
    The master expects great difficulty,
    so the task is always easier than planned.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 64</h2>
    <pre>Things are easier to control while things are quiet.
    Things are easier to plan far in advance.
    Things break easier while they are still brittle.
    Things are easier hid while they are still small.
    Prevent problems before they arise.
    Take action before things get out of hand.
    The tallest tree
    begins as a tiny sprout.
    The tallest building
    starts with one shovel of dirt.
    
    A journey of a thousand miles
    starts with a single footstep.
    If you rush into action, you will fail.
    If you hold on too tight, you will lose your grip.
    Therefore the Master lets things take their course
    and thus never fails.
    She doesn't hold on to things
    and never loses them.
    By pursing your goals too relentlessly,
    you let them slip away.
    If you are as concerned about the outcome
    as you are about the beginning,
    then it is hard to do things wrong.
    The master seeks no possessions.
    She learns by unlearning,
    thus she is able to understand all things.
    This gives her the ability to help all of creation.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 65</h2>
    <pre>The ancient Masters
    who understood the way of the Tao,
    did not educate people, but made them forget.
    Smart people are difficult to guide,
    because they think they are too clever.
    To use cleverness to rule a country,
    
    is to lead the country to ruin.
    To avoid cleverness in ruling a country,
    is to lead the country to prosperity.
    Knowing the two alternatives is a pattern.
    Remaining aware of the pattern is a virtue.
    This dark and mysterious virtue is profound.
    It is opposite our natural inclination,
    but leads to harmony with the heavens.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 66</h2>
    <pre>Rivers and seas are rulers
    of the streams of hundreds of valleys
    because of the power of their low position.
    If you want to be the ruler of people,
    you must speak to them like you are their servant.
    If you want to lead other people,
    you must put their interest ahead of your own.
    The people will not feel burdened,
    if a wise person is in a position of power.
    The people will not feel like they are being
    manipulated,
    if a wise person is in front as their leader.
    The whole world will ask for her guidance,
    and will never get tired of her.
    
    Because she does not like to compete,
    no one can compete with the things she accomplishes.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 67</h2>
    <pre>The world talks about
    but you can't tell it
    Because it is thought
    the world makes light
    It seems too easy for
    
    honoring the Tao,
    from their actions.
    of as great,
    of it.
    anyone to use.
    
    There are three jewels that I cherish:
    compassion, moderation, and humility.
    With compassion, you will be able to be brave,
    With moderation, you will be able to give to others,
    With humility, you will be able to become a great
    leader.
    To abandon compassion while seeking to be brave,
    or abandoning moderation while being benevolent,
    or abandoning humility while seeking to lead
    will only lead to greater trouble.
    The compassionate warrior will be the winner,
    and if compassion is your defense you will be
    secure.
    Compassion is the protector of Heaven's salvation.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 68</h2>
    <pre>The best warriors
    do not use violence.
    The best generals
    do not destroy indiscriminately.
    The best tacticians
    try to avoid confrontation.
    The best leaders
    become servants of their people.
    This is called the virtue of non-competition.
    This is called the power to manage others.
    This is called attaining harmony with the heavens.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 69</h2>
    <pre>There is an old saying:
    "It is better to become the passive
    in order to see what will happen.
    It is better to retreat a foot
    than to advance only an inch."
    This is called
    being flexible while advancing,
    pushing back without using force,
    and destroying the enemy without engaging him.
    There is no greater disaster
    than underestimating your enemy.
    
    Underestimating your enemy
    means losing your greatest assets.
    When equal forces meet in battle,
    victory will go to the one
    that enters with the greatest sorrow.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 70</h2>
    <pre>My words are easy to understand
    and easier to put into practice.
    Yet no one in the world seems to understand them,
    and is not able to apply what I teach.
    My teachings come from the ancients,
    the things I do are done for a reason.
    Because you do not know me,
    you are not able to understand my teachings.
    Because those who know me are few,
    my teachings become even more precious.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 71</h2>
    <pre>Knowing you don't know is wholeness.
    Thinking you know is a disease.
    Only by recognizing that you have an illness
    can you move to seek a cure.
    The Master is whole because
    she sees her illnesses and treats them,
    and thus is able to remain whole.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 72</h2>
    <pre>When people become overly bold,
    then disaster will soon arrive.
    Do not meddle with people's livelihood;
    by respecting them they will in turn respect you.
    Therefore, the Master knows herself but is not
    arrogant.
    She loves herself but also loves others.
    This is how she is able to make appropriate choices.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 73</h2>
    <pre>Being overbold and confident is deadly.
    The wise use of caution will keep you alive.
    One is the way to death,
    and the other is the way to preserve your life.
    Who can understand the workings of Heaven?
    The Tao of the universe
    does not compete, yet wins;
    does not speak, yet responds;
    does not command, yet is obeyed;
    and does act, but is good at directing.
    The nets of Heaven are wide,
    but nothing escapes its grasp.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 74</h2>
    <pre>If you do not fear death,
    then how can it intimidate you?
    If you aren't afraid of dying,
    there is nothing you can not do.
    Those who harm others
    are like inexperienced boys
    trying to take the place of a great lumberjack.
    Trying to fill his shoes will only get them
    seriously hurt.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 75</h2>
    <pre>When people go hungry,
    the government's taxes are too high.
    When people become rebellious,
    the government has become too intrusive.
    When people begin to view death lightly,
    wealthy people have too much
    which causes others to starve.
    Only those who do not cling to their life can save
    it.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 76</h2>
    <pre>The living are soft and yielding;
    the dead are rigid and stiff.
    Living plants are flexible and tender;
    the dead are brittle and dry.
    Those who are stiff and rigid
    are the disciples of death.
    Those who are soft and yielding
    are the disciples of life.
    
    The rigid and stiff will be broken.
    The soft and yielding will overcome.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 77</h2>
    <pre>The Tao of Heaven works in the world
    like the drawing of a bow.
    The top is bent downward;
    the bottom is bent up.
    The excess is taken from,
    and the deficient is given to.
    The
    and
    The
    and
    
    Tao works to use the excess,
    gives to that which is depleted.
    way of people is to take from the depleted,
    give to those who already have an excess.
    
    Who is able to give to the needy from their excess?
    Only someone who is following the way of the Tao.
    This is why the Master gives
    expecting nothing in return.
    She does not dwell on her past accomplishments,
    and does not glory in any praise.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 78</h2>
    <pre>Water is the softest and most yielding substance.
    Yet nothing is better than water,
    for overcoming the hard and rigid,
    because nothing can compete with it.
    Everyone knows that the soft and yielding
    overcomes the rigid and hard,
    but few can put this knowledge into practice.
    Therefore the Master says:
    "Only he who is the lowest servant of the kingdom,
    is worthy to become its ruler.
    He who is willing to tackle the most unpleasant
    tasks,
    is the best ruler in the world."
    True sayings seem contradictory.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 79</h2>
    <pre>Difficulties remain, even after solving a problem.
    How then can we consider that as good?
    Therefore the Master
    does what she knows is right,
    and makes no demands of others.
    A virtuous person will do the right thing,
    
    and persons with no virtue will take advantage of
    others.
    The Tao does not choose sides,
    the good person receives from the Tao
    because she is on its side.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 80</h2>
    <pre>Small countries with few people are best.
    Give them all of the things they want,
    and they will see that they do not need them.
    Teach them that death is a serious thing,
    and to be content to never leave their homes.
    Even though they have plenty
    of horses, wagons and boats,
    they won't feel that they need to use them.
    Even if they have weapons and shields,
    they will keep them out of sight.
    Let people enjoy the simple technologies,
    let them enjoy their food,
    let them make their own clothes,
    let them be content with their own homes,
    and delight in the customs that they cherish.
    Although the next country is close enough
    that they can hear their roosters crowing and dogs
    barking,
    
    they are content never to visit each other
    all of the days of their life.</pre>
    </section>
    
    <section chapter>
    <h2>Chapter 81</h2>
    <pre>True words do not sound beautiful;
    beautiful sounding words are not true.
    Wise men don't need to debate;
    men who need to debate are not wise.
    Wise men are not scholars,
    and scholars are not wise.
    The Master desires no possessions.
    Since the things she does are for the people,
    she has more than she needs.
    The more she gives to others,
    the more she has for herself.
    The Tao of Heaven nourishes by not forcing.
    The Tao of the Wise person acts by not competing.</pre>
    </section>