Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Tao: Book 1
1.
The Way is beyond words to describe
We can put labels on it, but they are inadequate
Nonbeing is the origin of things
Things are nameable
Be free of desire to see the subtleties
Have desire to see the manifestations
These two come from the same source
and differ only in appearance
These two are mysteries
Together they are the gateway
to wonder
2.
To see beauty there must be ugliness
To know good is to know evil
Thus something and nothing produce each other
The difficult and the easy compliment each other
The long and the short contrast each other
High and low locate one another
Note and voice harmonize with each other
Before and after follow each other
Thus the sage is effective with no action
Teaches with no words
Takes everything that happens as it comes
As something to animate not appropriate
To accomplish without taking credit
To accept naturally without self-importance:
If you never assume importance
you never lose it
3.
Not to honour men of worth
will keep people from contention
Not to value goods which are hard to come by
will keep them from theft
Not to display what is desirable
will keep them from being unsettled of mind
The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies
by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones
And so to clarify thoughts and cleanse needs
that no cunning meddler could touch them
Without being forced, without strain or constraint,
good government comes of itself
4.
The Way is like an empty vessel
that yet may be drawn from
without ever needing to be filled
It is as deep as the source of all things:
It blunts the sharpness
untangles the complications
softens the glare
merges with dust
It is like a deep pool that never dries
I know not whose child it is
It is the forefather of all things
