据联合国教科文组织统计，世界文化名著总销量除了《圣经》以外就是《道德经》。
如果你还认为是这样，那么我可以很负责任的告诉你：“你OUT了!”，道家学说的书籍在中国日渐式微。与此相反的是，在西方《道德经》的销量和印刷量都已经超越了《圣经》，跃居所有经典之上，现已荣登西方世界书籍排行榜榜首之位。《圣经》印刷量荣居世界之最，中国市场功不可没。
在中国，《论语》比《道德经》影响大；在国外，《道德经》比《论语》影响大；据联合国教科文组织统计，在世界各国经典名著中，《道德经》是被翻译成最多种语言、发行量最大的传世经典
《道德经》的外文译本总数近种，《道德经》的德文译本多达82种，研究老子思想的专著也高达多种。
儒、道、释是中华文明的三大根基，老子、孔子是2年中国历代君王的导师，影响中国2年的历史；
德国电视台的一项调查表明，老子还是德国人心中“最知名的中国人”，每四个德国人家里就藏有一本《道德经》。
一章
道，可道，非恒道。名，可名，非恒名。无名，天地之始；有名，万物之母。故常无欲，以观其妙；常有欲，以观其徼。此两者同出而异名，同谓之玄。玄之又玄，众妙之门。
TheTaothatcanbetoldof
IsnottheAbsoluteTao;
TheNamesthatcanbegiven
ArenotAbsoluteNames.
TheNamelessistheoriginofHeavenandEarth;
TheNamedistheMotherofAllThings.
Therefore:
Oftentimes,onestripsoneselfofpassion
InordertoseetheSecretofLife;
Oftentimes,oneregardslifewithpassion,
Inordertoseeitsmanifestforms.
Thesetwo(theSecretanditsmanifestations)
Are(intheirnature)thesame;
Theyaregivendifferentnames
Whentheybe TheymaybothbecalledtheCosmicMystery:
ReachingfromtheMysteryintotheDeeperMystery
IstheGatetotheSecretofAllLife.
二章
天下皆知美之为美，斯恶已；皆知善之为善，斯不善矣。有无相生，难易相成，长短相形，高下相盈，音声相和，前后相随，恒也。是以圣人处无为之事，行不言之教，万物作而弗始，生而弗有，为而弗恃，功成而弗居。夫唯弗居，是以不去。
WhenthepeopleoftheEarthallknowbeautyasbeauty,
Therearises(therecognitionof)ugliness.
WhenthepeopleoftheEarthallknowthegoodasgood,
Therearises(therecognitionof)evil.
Therefore:
Beingandnon-beinginterdependingrowth;
Difficultandeasyinterdependin Longandshortinterdependincontrast;
Highandlowinterdependinposition;
Tonesandvoiceinterdependinharmony;
Frontandbehindinterdependin ThereforetheSage:
Managesaffairswithoutaction;
Preachesthedoctrinewithoutwords;
Allthingstaketheirrise,buthedoesnotturnawayfromthem;
Hegivesthemlife,butdoesnottakepossessionofthem;
Heacts,butdoesnotappropriate;
Ac Itisbecausehelaysclaimtonocredit
Thatthecreditcannotbetakenawayfromhim.
三章
不尚贤，使民不争；不贵难得之货，使民不为盗；不见可欲，使民心不乱。是以圣人之治，虚其心，实其腹；弱其志，强其骨。常使民无知无欲。使夫知不敢弗为而已，则无不治。
Exaltnotthewise,
Sothatthepeopleshallnotschemeandcontend;
Prizenotrareobjects,
Sothatthepeopleshallnotsteal;
Shutoutfromsitethethingsofdesire,
Sothatthepeoplesheartsshallnotbedisturbed.
ThereforeinthegovernmentoftheSage:
Hekeepsemptytheirhearts
Makesfulltheirbellies,
Discouragestheirambitions,
Strengthenstheirframes;
Sothatthepeoplemaybeinnocentofknowledgeanddesires.
Andthecunningonesshallnotpresumetointerfere.
Byactionwithoutdeeds
Mayallliveinpeace.
四章
道冲，而用之或不盈。渊兮，似万物之宗。挫其锐，解其纷，和其光，同其尘。湛兮，似或存。吾不知谁之子，象帝之先。
Taoisahollowvessel,
Anditsuseisinexhaustible!
Fathomless!
Likethefountainheadofallthings,
Itssharpedgesroundedoff,
Itstanglesuntied,
Itslighttempered,
Itsturmoilsubmerged,
Yetdarklikedeepwateritseemstoremain.
IdonotknowwhoseSonitit,
AnimageofwhatexistedbeforeGod.
五章
天地不仁，以万物为刍狗；圣人不仁，以百姓为刍狗。天地之间，其犹橐龠乎？虚而不屈，动而愈出。多闻数穷，不如守中。
Natureisunkind:
Ittreatsthecreationlikesacrificialstraw-dogs.
TheSageisunkind:
Hetreatsthepeoplelikesacrificialstraw-dogs.
Howtheuniverseislikeabellows!
Empty,yetitgivesasupplythatneverfails;
Themoreitisworked,themoreitbringsforth.
Bymanywordsiswitexhausted.
Rather,therefore,holdtothecore.
六章
谷神不死，是谓玄牝。玄牝之门，是谓天地根。绵绵若存，用之不勤。
TheSpiritoftheValleyneverdies.
ItiscalledtheMysticFemale.
TheDooroftheMysticFemale
IstherootofHeavenandEarth.
Continuously,continuously,
Itseemstoremain.
Drawuponit
Anditservesyouwithease.
七章
天长地久。天地所以能长且久者，以其不自生，故能长生。是以圣人后其身而身先，外其身而身存。不以其无私邪？故能成其私。
Theuniverseiseverlasting.
Thereasontheuniverseiseverlasting
IsthatitdoesnotlifeforSelf.
Thereforeitcanlongendure.
ThereforetheSageputshimselflast,
Andfindshimselfintheforemostplace;
Regardshisbodyasaccidental,
Andhisbodyistherebypreserved.
IsitnotbecausehedoesnotliveforSelf
ThathisSelfisrealized?
八章
上善若水。水善利万物而不争，居众人之所恶，故几于道。居善地，心善渊，与善仁，言善信，政善治，事善能，动善时。夫唯不争，故无尤。
Thebestofmenislikewater;
Waterbenefitsallthings
Anddoesnot Itdwellsin(thelowly)placesthatalldisdain-
Whereinit Inhisdwelling,(theSage)lovesthe(lowly)earth;
Inhisheart,heloveswhatisprofound;
Inhisrelationswithothers,heloveskindness;
Inhiswords,helovessincerity;
Ingovernment,helovespeace;
Inbusinessaffairs,helovesability;
Inhiactions,heloveschoosingtherighttime.
Itisbecausehedoesnotcontend
Thatheiswithoutreproach.
九章
持而盈之，不如其已。揣而锐之，不可长保。金玉满堂，莫之能守。富贵而骄，自遗其咎。功遂身退，天下之道。
Stretch(abow)totheveryfull,
Andyouwillwishyouhadstoppedintime.
Tempera(sword-edge)toitsverysharpest,
Andtheedgewillnotlastlong.
Whengoldandjadefillyourhall,
Youwillnotbeabletokeepthemsafe.
Tobeproudwithwealthandhonor
Istosowseedsofonesowndownfall.
Retirewhenyourworkisdone,
SuchisHeavensway.
十章
载营魄抱一，能无离乎？专气致柔，能如婴儿乎？修除玄览，能无疵乎？爱民治国，能无智乎？天门开阖，能为雌乎？明白四达，能无知乎？生之、畜之，生而不有，长而不宰。是为玄德。
InembracingtheOnewithyoursoul,
CanyouneverforsaketheTao?
Incontrollingyourvitalforcetoachievegentleness,
Canyoube IncleansingandpurifyingyourMysticvision,
Canyoustriveafterperfection?
Inlovingthepeopleandgoverningthekingdom,
Canyourulewithoutinterference?
InopeningandshuttingtheGateofHeaven,
CanyouplaythepartoftheFemale?
In Canyourenouncethemind?
十一章
三十辐共一毂，当其无，有车之用。埏埴以为器，当其无，有器之用。凿户牖以为室，当其无，有室之用。故有之以为利，无之以为用。
Thirtyspokesunitearoundthenave;
Fromtheirnot-being(lossoftheirindividuality)
Arisestheutilityofthewheel.
Moldclayintoavessel;
Fromitsnot-being(inthevesselshollow)
Arisestheutilityofthevessel.
Cutoutdoorsandwindowsinthehouse(-wall),
Fromtheirnot-being(emptyspace)arisestheutility
ofthehouse.
Thereforebytheexistenceofthingsweprofit.
Andbythenon-existenceofthingsweareserved.
十二章
五色令人目盲；五音令人耳聋；五味令人口爽；驰骋畋猎，令人心发狂；难得之货，令人行妨。是以圣人为腹不为目，故去彼取此。
Thefivecolorsblindtheeyesofman;
Thefivemusicalnotesdeafentheearsofman;
Thefiveflavorsdullthetasteofman;
Horse-racing,huntingandchasingmaddenthemindsofman;
Rare,valuablegoodskeeptheirownersawakeatnight.
ThereforetheSage:
Providesforthebellyandnottheeye.
Hence,herejectstheoneandacceptstheother.
十三章
宠辱若惊，贵大患若身。何谓宠辱若惊？宠为下，得之若惊，失之若惊，是谓宠辱若惊。何谓贵大患若身？吾所以有大患者，为吾有身，及吾无身，吾有何患？故贵以身为天下，若可寄天下；爱以身为天下，若可托天下。
"Favoranddisgracecauseonedismay;
WhatwevalueandwhatwefeararewithinourSelf."
Whatdoesthismean:
"Favoranddisgracecauseonedismay?"
Thosewhoreceiveafavorfromabove
Aredismayedwhentheyreceiveit,
Anddismayedwhentheyloseit.
Whatdoesthismean:
"WhatwevalueandwhatwefeararewithinourSelf?"
Wehavefearsbecausewehaveaself.
Whenwedonotregardthatselfasself,
Whathavewetofear?
Thereforehewhovaluestheworldashisself
Maythenbeentrustedwiththegovernmentoftheworld;
Andhewholovestheworldashisself-
Theworldmaythenbeentrustedtohiscare.
十四章
视之不见，名曰微；听之不闻，名曰希；搏之不得，名曰夷。此三者，不可致诘，故混而为一。其上不皎，其下不昧，绳绳兮不可名，复归于物。是谓无状之状，无物之象，是谓惚恍。迎之不见其首，随之不见其后。执古之道，以御今之有。能知古始，是谓道纪。
Lookedat,butcannotbeseen-
ThatiscalledtheInvisible(yi).
Listenedto,butcannotbeheard-
ThatiscalledtheInaudible(hsi).
Graspedat,butcannotbetouched-
ThatiscalledtheIntangible(wei).
Thesethreeeludeourinquiries
Andhenceblendandbe Notbyitsrising,istherelight,
Norbyitssinking,istheredarkness.
Unceasing,continuous,
Itcannotbedefined,
Andrevertsagaintotherealmofnothingness.
ThatiswhyitiscalledtheFormoftheFormless,
TheImageofNothingness.
ThatiswhyitiscalledtheElusive:
Meetitandyoudonotseeitsface;
Followitandyoudonotseeitsback.
十五章
古之善为道者，微妙玄通，深不可识。夫唯不可识，故强为之容：豫兮，若冬涉川；犹兮，若畏四邻；俨兮，其若客；涣兮，其若凌释；敦兮，其若朴；旷兮，其若谷；混兮，其若浊。孰能浊以止？静之徐清。孰能安以久？动之徐生。保此道者，不欲盈。夫唯不盈，故能蔽而新成。
Thewiseonesofoldhadsubtlewisdomanddepthofunderstanding,
Soprofoundthattheycouldnotbeunderstood.
Andbecausetheycouldnotbeunderstood,
Perforcemusttheybesodescribed:
Cautious,likecrossingawintrystream,
Irresolute,likeonefearingdangerallaround,
Grave,likeoneactingasguest,
Self-effacing,likeicebeginningtomelt,
Genuine,likeapieceofundressedwood,
Open-minded,likeavalley,
Andmixingfreely,likemurkywater.
Whocanfindreposeinamuddyworld?
Bylyingstill,itbe Whocanmaintainhiscalmforlong?
Byactivity,it HewhoembracesthisTao
Guardsagainstbeingover-full.
Becauseheguardsagainstbeingover-full,
Heisbeyondwearingoutandrenewal.
十六章
致虚极，守静笃。万物并作，吾以观复。夫物芸芸，各复归其根。归根曰静，静曰复命。复命曰常，知常曰明。不知常，妄作，凶。知常容，容乃公，公乃王，王乃天，天乃道，道乃久，殁身不殆。
AttaintheutmostinPassivity,
HoldfirmtothebasisofQuietude.
Themyriadthingstakeshapeandrisetoactivity,
ButIwatchthemfallbacktotheirrepose.
Likevegetationthatluxuriantlygrows
Butreturnstotheroot(soil)fromwhichitsprings.
ToreturntotherootisRepose;
ItiscalledgoingbacktoonesDestiny.
GoingbacktoonesDestinyistofindtheEternalLaw.
ToknowtheEternalLawisEnlightenment.
AndnottoknowtheEternalLaw
Istocourtdisaster.
HewhoknowstheEternalLawistolerant;
Beingtolerant,heisimpartial;
Beingimpartial,heiskingly;
Beingkingly,heisinaccordwithNature;
BeinginaccordwithNature,heisinaccordwithTao;
BeinginaccordwithTao,heiseternal,
Andhiswholelifeispreservedfromharm.
十七章
太上，不知有之；其次，亲而誉之；其次，畏之；其次，侮之。信不足焉，有不信焉。悠兮，其贵言。功成事遂，百姓皆谓：「我自然」。
Ofthebestrulers
Thepeople(only)knowthattheyexist;
Thenextbesttheloveandpraise;
Thenexttheyfear;
Andthenexttheyrevile.
Whentheydonot Somewilllosefaithinthem,
Andthentheyresorttooaths!
But(ofthebest)whentheirtaskisac theirworkdone,
Thepeopleallremark,"Wehavedoneitourselves."
十八章
大道废，有仁义；智慧出，有大伪；六亲不和，有孝慈；国家昏乱，有忠臣。
OnthedeclineofthegreatTao,
Thedoctrineof"humanity"and"justice"arose.
Whenknowledgeandclevernessappeared,
Greathypocrisyfollowedinitswake.
Whenthesixrelationshipsnolongerlivedatpeace,
Therewas(praiseof)"kindparents"and"filialsons."
Whenacountryfellintochaosandmisrule,
Therewas(praiseof)"loyalministers."
十九章
绝圣弃智，民利百倍；绝仁弃义，民复孝慈；绝巧弃利，盗贼无有。此三者以为文，不足。故令有所属：见素抱朴，少思寡欲，绝学无忧。
Banishwisdom,discardknowledge,
Andthepeopleshallprofitahundredfold;
Banish"humanity,"discard"justice,"
Andthepeopleshallrecoverloveoftheirkin;
Banishcunning,discard"utility,"
Andthethievesandbrigandsshalldisappear.
Asthesethreetouchtheexternalsandareinadequate,
Thepeoplehaveneedofwhattheycandependupon:
Revealthysimpleself,
Embracethyoriginalnature,
Checkthyselfishness,
Curtailthydesires.
二十章
唯之与阿，相去几何？美之与恶，相去若何？人之所畏，不可不畏。荒兮，其未央哉！众人熙熙，如享太牢，如春登台。我独泊兮，其未兆；沌沌兮，如婴儿之未孩；儡儡兮，若无所归。众人皆有馀，而我独若遗。我愚人之心也哉，沌沌兮！俗人昭昭，我独昏昏。俗人察察，我独闷闷。淡兮，其若海，望兮，若无止。众人皆有以，而我独顽似鄙。我独异于人，而贵食母。
Banishlearning,andvexationsend.
Between"Ah!"and"Ough!"
Howmuchdifferenceisthere?
Between"good"and"evil"
Howmuchdifferenceisthere?"
Thatwhichmenfear
Isindeedtobefeared;
But,alas,distantyetisthedawn(ofawakening)!
Thepeopleoftheworldaremerry-making,
Asifpartakingofthesacrificialfeasts,
Asifmountingtheterraceinspring;
Ialoneammild,likeoneunemployed,
Likeanew-bornbabethatcannotyetsmile,
Unattached,likeonewithoutahome.
Thepeopleoftheworldhaveenoughandtospare,
ButIamlikeoneleftout,
Myheartmustbethatofafool,
Beingmuddled,nebulous!
Thevulgarareknowing,luminous;
Ialoneamdull,confused.
Thevulgarareclever,self-assured;
Ialone,depressed.
Patientasthesea,
Adrift,seeminglyaimless.
Thepeopleoftheworldallhaveapurpose;
Ialoneappearstubbornanduncouth.
Ialonedifferfromtheotherpeople,
AndvaluedrawingsustenancefromtheMother.
二十一章
孔德之容，惟道是从。道之为物，惟恍惟惚。惚兮恍兮，其中有象；恍兮惚兮，其中有物；窈兮冥兮，其中有精；其精甚真，其中有信。自今及古，其名不去，以阅众甫。吾何以知众甫之状哉？以此。
ThemarksofgreatCharacter
FollowalonefromtheTao.
ThethingthatiscalledTao
Iselusive,evasive.
Evasive,elusive,
Yetlatentinitareforms.
Elusive,evasive,
Yetlatentinitareobjects.
Darkanddim,
Yetlatentinitisthelife-force.
Thelife-forcebeingverytrue,
Latentinitareevidences.
Fromthedaysofoldtillnow
ItsNamed(manifestedforms)haveneverceased,
BywhichwemayviewtheFatherofAllThings.
HowdoIknowtheshapeoftheFatherofAllThings?
Throughthese(manifestedforms)!
二十二章
「曲则全，枉则直，洼则盈，敝则新，少则得，多则惑。」是以圣人抱一为天下式。不自见，故明；不自是，故彰；不自伐，故有功；不自矜，故长。夫唯不争，故天下莫能与之争。古之所谓「曲则全」者，岂虚言哉！诚全而归之。
Toyieldistobepreservedwhole.
Tobebentistobe Tobehollowistobefilled.
Tobetatteredistoberenewed.
Tobeinwantistopossess.
Tohaveplentyistobeconfused.
ThereforetheSageembracestheOne,
Andbe Hedoesnotrevealhimself,
Andisthereforeluminous.
Hedoesnotjustifyhimself,
Andisthereforefar-famed.
Hedoesnotboastofhimself,
Andthereforepeoplegivehimcredit.
Hedoesnotpridehimself,
Andisthereforethechiefamongmen.
Isitnotindeedtrue,astheancientssay,
"Toyieldistobepreservedwhole?"
Thusheispreservedandtheworlddoeshimhomage.
二十三章
希言自然。故飘风不终朝，骤雨不终日。孰为此者？天地。天地尚不能久，而况于人乎？故从事于道者，同于道；德者，同于德；失者，同于失。同于道者，道亦乐得之；同于德者，德亦乐得之；同于失者，失亦乐得之。信不足焉，有不信焉。
Naturesaysfewwords:
Henceitisthatasqualllastsnotawholemorning.
Arainstormcontinuesnotawholeday.
Wheredothey FromNature.
EvenNaturedoesnotlastlong(initsutterances),
Howmuchlessshouldhumanbeings?
Thereforeitisthat:
HewhofollowstheTaoisidentifiedwiththeTao.
HewhofollowsCharacter(Teh)isidentifiedwith
Character.
Hewhoabandons(Tao)isidentifiedwithabandonment(of
Tao).
HewhoisidentifiedwithTao-
Taoisalsogladtowel Hewhoisidentifiedwithcharacter-
Characterisalsogladtowel Hewhoisidentifiedwithabandonment-
Abandonmentisalsogladtwel Hewhohasnotenoughfaith
Willnotbeableto 企者不立；跨者不行；自见者不明；自是者不彰；自伐者无功；自矜者不长。其在道也，曰馀食赘形，物或恶之，故有道者不居。
Hewhostandsontiptoedoesnotstand(firm);
Hewhostrainshisstridesdoesnotwalk(well);
Hewhorevealshimselfisnotluminous;
Hewhojustifieshimselfisnotfar-famed;
Hewhoboastsofhimselfisnotgivencredit;
Hewhoprideshimselfisnotchiefamongmen.
TheseintheeyesofTao
Arecalled"thedregsandtumorsofVirtue,"
Whicharethingsofdisgust.
ThereforethemanofTaospurnsthem.
二十五章
有物混成，先天地生。寂兮寥兮，独立而不改，周行而不殆，可以为天地母。吾不知其名，字之曰道，强为之名曰大。大曰逝，逝曰远，远曰反。故道大，天大，地大，人亦大。域中有四大，而人居其一焉。人法地，地法天，天法道，道法自然。
BeforetheHeavenandEarthexisted
Therewassomethingnebulous:
Silent,isolated,
Standingalone,changingnot,
Eternallyrevolvingwithoutfail,
WorthytobetheMotherofAllThings.
Idonotknowitsname
AndaddressitasTao.
Ifforcedtogiveitaname,Ishallcallit"Great."
Beinggreatimpliesreachingoutinspace,
Reachingoutinspaceimpliesfar-reaching,
Far-reachingimpliesreversiontotheoriginalpoint.
Therefore:
TaoisGreat,
TheHeavenisgreat,
TheEarthisgreat,
TheKingisalsogreat.
TherearetheGreatFourintheuniverse,
AndtheKingisoneofthem.
ManmodelshimselfaftertheEarth;
TheEarthmodelsitselfafterHeaven;
TheHeavenmodelsitselfafterTao;
Taomodelsitselfafternature.
二十六章
重为轻根，静为躁君。是以君子终日行不离辎重。虽有荣观，燕处超然。奈何万乘之主，而以身轻天下？轻则失根，躁则失君。
TheSolidistherootofthelight;
TheQuiescentisthemasteroftheHasty.
ThereforetheSagetravelsallday
Yetneverleaveshisprovision-cart.
Inthemidstofhonorandglory,
Helivesleisurely,undisturbed.
Howcantherulerofagreatcountry
Makelightofhisbodyintheempire(byrushingabout)?
Inlightfrivolity,theCenterislost;
Inhastyaction,self-masteryislost.
二十七章
善行，无辙迹；善言，无瑕谪；善数，不用筹策；善闭，无关楗而不可开；善结，无绳约而不可解。是以圣人常善救人，故无弃人；常善救物，故无弃物。是谓神明。故善人者，不善人之师；不善人者，善人之资。不贵其师，不爱其资，虽智大迷。是谓要妙。
Agoodrunnerleavesnotrack.
Agoodspeechleavesnoflawsforattack.
Agoodreckonermakesuseofnocounters.
Awell-shutdoormakesuseofnobolts,
Andyetcannotbeopened.
Awell-tiedknotmakesuseofnorope,
Andyetcannotbeuntied.
ThereforetheSageisgoodathelpingmen;
Forthatreasonthereisnorejected(useless)person.
Heisgoodatsavingthings;
Forthatreasonthereisnothingrejected.
-ThisiscalledstealingtheLight.
ThereforethegoodmanistheTeacherofthebad.
Andthebadmanisthelessonofthegood.
Hewhoneithervalueshisteacher
Norlovesthelesson
Isonegonefarastray,
Thoughhebelearned.
-Suchisthesubtlesecret.
二十八章
知其雄，守其雌，为天下溪。为天下溪，常德不离。常德不离，复归于婴儿。知其荣，守其辱，为天下谷。为天下谷，常德乃足。常德乃足，复归于朴。知其白，守其黑，为天下式。为天下式，常德不忒。常德不忒，复归于无极。朴散则为器，圣人用之，则为官长。故大制无割。
HewhoisawareoftheMale
ButkeepstotheFemale
Be Beingtheravineoftheworld,
Hehastheoriginalcharacter(teh)whichisnot
cutup.
Andreturnsagaintothe(innocenceofthe)babe.
Hewhoisconsciousofthewhite(bright)
Butkeepstotheblack(dark)
Be Beingthemodelfortheworld,
Hehastheeternalpowerwhichnevererrs,
AndreturnsagaintothePrimordialNothingness.
Hewhoisfamiliarwithhonorandglory
Butkeepstoobscurity
Be Beingthevalleyoftheworld,
Hehasaneternalpowerwhichalwayssuffices,
Andreturnsagaintothenaturalintegrityofuncarvedwood.
Breakupthisuncarvedwood
Anditisshapedintovessel
InthehandsoftheSage
Theybe Thereforethegreatrulerdoesnotcutup.
二十九章
将欲取天下而为之，吾见其不得已。天下神器，不可为也。为者败之，执者失之。物，或行或随，或嘘或吹，或强或羸，或挫或隳。是以圣人去甚，去奢，去泰。
Therearethosewhowillconquertheworld
Andmakeofit(whattheyconceiveordesire).
Iseethattheywillnotsucceed.
(For)theworldisGodsownVessel
Itcannotbemade(byhumaninterference).
Hewhomakesitspoilsit.
Hewhoholdsitlosesit.
For:Somethingsgoforward,
Somethingsfollowbehind;
someblowhot,
Andsomeblowcold;
Somearestrong,
Andsomeareweak;
Somemaybreak,
Andsomemayfall.
HencetheSageeschewsexcess,eschewsextravagance,
Eschewspride.
三十章
以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下，其事好还：师之所居，荆棘生焉。大军之后，必有凶年。善有果而已，不以取强。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄，果而不得已，果而勿强。物壮则老，是谓不道，不道早已。
HewhobyTaopurposestohelptherulerofmen
Willopposeallconquestbyforceofarms.
Forsuchthingsarewonttorebound.
Wherearmiesare,thornsandbramblesgrow.
Theraisingofagreathost
Isfollowedbyayearofdearth.
Thereforeagoodgeneraleffectshispurposeandstops.
Hedaresnotrelyuponthestrengthofarms;
Effectshispurposeanddoesnotgloryinit;
Effectshispurposeanddoesnotboastofit;
Effectshispurposeanddoesnottakeprideinit;
Effectshispurposeasaregrettablenecessity;
Effectshispurposebutdoesnotloveviolence.
(For)thingsageafterreachingtheirprime.
That(violence)wouldbeagainsttheTao.
AndhewhoisagainsttheTaoperishesyoung.
三十一章
夫兵者，不祥之器。物或恶之，故有道者不居。君子居则贵左，用兵则贵右，故兵者非君子之器。不祥之器，不得已而用之，恬淡为上。胜而不美，而美之者，是乐杀人。夫乐杀人者，则不可得志于天下矣。吉事尚左，凶事尚右。偏将军居左，上将军居右，言以丧礼处之。杀人之众，以悲哀泣之，战胜以丧礼处之。
Ofallthings,soldiersareinstrumentsofevil,
Hatedbymen.
Thereforethereligiousman(possessedofTao)avoidsthem.
Thegentlemanfavorstheleftincivilianlife,
Butonmilitaryoccasionsfavorstheright.
Soldiersareweaponsofevil.
Theyarenottheweaponsofthegentleman.
Whentheuseofsoldierscannotbehelped,
Thebestpolicyiscalmrestraint.
Eveninvictory,thereisnobeauty,
Andwhocallsitbeautiful
Isonewhodelightsinslaughter.
Hewhodelightsinslaughter
Willnotsucceedinhisambitiontoruletheworld.
[Thethingsofgoodomenfavortheleft.
Thethingsofillomenfavortheright.
Thelieutenant-generalstandsontheleft,
Thegeneralstandsontheright.
Thatistosay,itiscelebratedasaFuneralRite.]
Theslayingofmultitudesshouldbemournedwithsorrow.
AvictoryshouldbecelebratedwiththeFuneralRite.
三十二章
道常无名。朴虽小，天下莫能臣。侯王若能守之，万物将自宾。天地相合，以降甘露，民莫之令而自均。始制有名，名亦既有，夫亦将知止。知止可以不殆。譬道之在天下，犹川谷之于江海。
Taoisabsoluteandhasnoname.
Thoughtheuncarvedwoodissmall,
Itcannotbeemployed(usedasvessel)byanyone.
Ifkingsandbaronscankeep(thisunspoilednature),
Thewholeworldshallyieldthemlordshipoftheirown
accord.
TheHeavenandEarthjoin,
Andthesweetrainfalls,
Beyondthe Yetevenlyuponall.
Thenhumancivilizationaroseandtherewerenames.
Sincetherewerenames,
Itwerewelloneknewwheretostop.
Hewhoknowswheretostop
Maybeexemptfromdanger.
Taointheworld
Maybe 知人者智，自知者明；胜人者有力，自胜者强。知足者富。强行者有志。不失其所者久。死而不亡者寿。
Hewhoknowsothersislearned;
Hewhoknowshimselfiswide.
Hewhoconquersothershaspowerofmuscles;
Hewhoconquershimselfisstrong.
Hewhoiscontentedisrich.
Hewhoiddeterminedhasstrengthofwill.
Hewhodoesnotlosehiscenterendures.
Hewhodiesyet(hispower)remainshaslonglife.
三十四章
大道泛兮，其可左右。万物恃之而生而不辞，功成而不名有。衣养万物而不为主，可名于小；万物归焉而不为主，可名为大。以其终不自为大，故能成其大。
TheGreatTaoflowseverywhere,
(Likeaflood)itmaygoleftorright.
Themyriadthingsderivetheirlifefromit,
Anditdoesnotdenythem.
Whenitsworkisac Itdoesnottakepossession.
Itclothesandfeedsthemyriadthings,
Yetdoesnotclaimthemasitsown.
Often(regarded)withoutmindorpassion,
Itmaybeconsideredsmall.
Beingthehomeofallthings,yetclaimingnot,
Itmaybeconsideredgreat.
Becausetotheenditdoesnotclaimgreatness,
Itsgreatnessisachieved.
三十五章
执大象，天下往。往而不害，安平泰。乐与饵，过客止。道之出口，淡乎其无味，视之不足见，听之不足闻，用之不足既。
HoldtheGreatSymbol
andalltheworldfollows,
Followswithoutmeetingharm,
(Andlivesin)health,peace, Offergoodthingstoeat
Andthewayfarerstays.
ButTaoismildtothetaste.
Lookedat,itcannotbeseen;
Listenedto,itcannotbeheard;
Applied,itssupplyneverfails.
三十六章
将欲歙之，必故张之；将欲弱之，必故强之；将欲废之，必故兴之；将欲取之，必故与之。是谓微明。柔弱胜刚强。鱼不可脱于渊，国之利器不可以示人。
Hewhoistobemadetodwindle(inpower)
Mustfirstbecausedtoexpand.
Hewhoistobeweakened
Mustfirstbemadestrong.
Hewhoistobelaidlow
Mustfirstbeexaltedtopower.
Hewhoistobetakenawayfrom
Mustfirstbegiven,
-ThisistheSubtleLight.
Gentlenessover Fishshouldbeleftinthedeeppool,
Andsharpweaponsofthestateshouldbeleft
Wherenonecanseethem.
三十七章
道恒无名，侯王若能守之，万物将自化。化而欲作，吾将镇之以无名之朴。无名之朴，夫亦将不欲。不欲以静，天地将自正。
TheTaoneverdoes,
Yetthroughiteverythingisdone.
IfprincesanddukescankeeptheTao,
theworldwillofitsownaccordbereformed.
Whenreformedandrisingtoaction,
LetitberestrainedbytheNamelesspristinesimplicity.
TheNamelesspristinesimplicity
Isstrippedofdesire(forcontention).
Bystrippingofdesirequiescenceisachieved,
Andtheworldarrivesatpeaceofitsownaccord.
三十八章
上德不德，是以有德；下德不失德，是以无德。上德无为而无以为；下德无为而有以为。上仁为之而无以为；上义为之而有以为。上礼为之而莫之应，则攘臂而扔之。故失道而后德，失德而后仁，失仁而后义，失义而后礼。夫礼者，忠信之薄，而乱之首。前识者，道之华，而愚之始。是以大丈夫居其厚，不居其薄；居其实，不居其华。故去彼取此。
Themanofsuperiorcharacterisnot(consciousofhis)character.
Hencehehascharacter.
Themanofinferiorcharacter(isintenton)notlosingcharacter.
Henceheisdevoidofcharacter.
Themanofsuperiorcharacterneveracts,
Norever(doesso)withanulteriormotive.
Themanofinferiorcharacteracts,
And(doesso)withanulteriormotive.
Themanofsuperiorkindnessacts,
But(doesso)withoutanulteriormotive.
Themanofsuperiorjusticeacts,
And(doesso)withanulteriormotive.
(Butwhen)themanofsuperiorliactsandfindsnoresponse,
Herollsuphissleevestoforceitonothers.
Therefore:
AfterTaoislost,then(arisesthedoctrineof)humanity.
Afterhumanityislost,then(arisesthedoctrineof)justice.
Afterjusticeislost,then(arisesthedoctrineof)li.
Nowliisthethinningoutofloyaltyandhonestyofheart.
Andthebeginningofchaos.
TheprophetsarethefloweringofTao
Andtheoriginoffolly.
Thereforethenoblemandwellsintheheavy(base),
Andnotinthethinning(end).
Hedwellsinthefruit,
Andnotintheflowering(expression).
Thereforeherejectstheoneandacceptstheother.
三十九章
昔之得一者：天得一以清；地得一以宁；神得一以灵；谷得一以盈；侯得一以为天下正。其致之。天无以清，将恐裂；地无以宁，将恐废；神无以灵，将恐歇；谷无以盈，将恐竭；侯王无以贵高，将恐蹶。故贵以贱为本，高以下为基。是以侯王自谓「孤」、「寡」、「不谷」。此非以贱为本耶？非乎？故致数誉无誉。是故不欲禄禄如玉。珞珞如石。
TherewerethoseinancienttimespossessedoftheOne;
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,theHeavenwasclarified,
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,TheEarthwasstabilized,
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,thegodswerespiritualized,
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,thevalleysweremadefull,
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,allthingslivedandgrew,
ThroughpossessionoftheOne,theprincesanddukes
becametheennobledofthepeople.
-thatwashoweachbecameso.
Withoutclarity,theHeavenswouldshake,
Withoutstability,theEarthwouldquake,
Withoutspiritualpower,thegodswouldcrumble,
Withoutbeingfilled,thevalleyswouldcrack,
Withoutthelife-givingpower,allthingswouldperish,
Withouttheennoblingpower,theprincesanddukeswouldstumble.
thereforethenobilitydependuponthe Andtheexaltedonesdependuponthelowlyfortheirbase.
Thatiswhytheprincesanddukescallthemselves
"theorphaned,""thelonelyone,""theunworthy."
Isisnottruethenthattheydependuponthe Truly,takedownthepartsofachariot,
Andthereisnochariot(left).
Ratherthanjinglelikethejade,
Rumbleliketherocks.
四十章
反者道之动；弱者道之用。天下万物生于有，有生于无。
ReversionistheactionofTao.
GentlenessisthefunctionofTao.
Thethingsofthisworld AndBeing( 上士闻道，勤而行之；中士闻道，若存若亡；下士闻道，大笑之。不笑不足以为道。故建言有之：「明道若昧，进道若退，夷道若类，上德若谷，大白若辱，广德若不足，建德若偷；质真若渝，大方无隅，大器晚成，大音希声；大象无形。」道隐无名，夫唯道，善始且善成。
WhenthehighesttypeofmenheartheTao(truth),
theytryhardtoliveinaccordancewithit.
WhenthemediocretypeheartheTao,
theyseemtobeawareandyetunawareofit.
WhenthelowesttypeheartheTao,
Theybreakintoloudlaughter-
Ifitwerenotlaughedat,itwouldnotbeTao.
Thereforethereistheestablishedsaying:
"WhounderstandsTaoseemsdullof WhoisadvanceinTaoseemstoslipbackwards;
WhomovesontheevenTao(Path)seemstogoupanddown."
Superiorcharacterappearslikeahollow(valley);
Sheerwhiteappearsliketarnished;
Greatcharacterappearslikeinfirm;
Pureworthappearslikecontaminated.
Greatspacehasnocorners;
Greattalenttakeslongtomature;
Greatmusicisfaintlyheard;
Greatformhasnocontour;
AndTaoishiddenwithoutaname.
ItisthisTaothatisadeptatlending(itspower)
andbringingfulfillment.
四十二章
道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物。万物负阴而抱阳，冲气以为和。人之所恶，唯「孤」、「寡」、「不谷」。而王公以为称。故，物或损之而益，或益之而损。人之所教，我亦教之：「强梁者不得其死」，吾将以为教父。
OutofTao,Oneisborn;
OutofOne,Two;
OutofTwo,Three;
OutofThree,thecreateduniverse.
Thecreateduniversecarriestheyinatitsback
andtheyanginfront;
Throughtheunionofthepervadingprinciplesit
reachesharmony.
Tobe"orphaned,""lonely"and"unworthy"iswhatmenhatemost.
Yettheprincesanddukescallthemselvesbysuchnames.
Forsometimesthingsarebenefitedbybeingtakenawayfrom,
Andsufferbybeingaddedto.
Othershavetaughtthismaxim,
WhichIshallteachalso:
"Theviolentmanshalldieaviolentdeath."
ThisIshallregardasmyspiritualteacher.
四十三章
天下之至柔，驰骋天下之至坚。无有入无间。吾是以知无为之有益。不言之教，无为之益，天下希及之。
Thesoftestsubstanceoftheworld
Goesthroughthehardest.
That-which-is-without-formpenetratesthat-which-has-no-crevice;
ThroughthisIknowthebenefitoftakingnoaction.
Theteachingwithoutwords
Andthebenefitoftakingnoaction
Arewithout 名与身孰亲？身与货孰多？得与亡孰病？是故，甚爱必大费，多藏必厚亡。知足不辱，知止不殆，可以长久。
Fameoronesownself,whichdoesonelovemore?
Onesownselformaterialgoods,whichhasmoreworth?
Loss(ofself)orpossession(ofgoods),whichisthegreaterevil?
Therefore:hewholovesmostspendsmost,
Hewhohoardsmuchlosesmuch.
Thecontentedmanmeetsnodisgrace;
Whoknowwhentostoprunsintonodanger-
Hecanlongendure.
四十五章
大成若缺，其用不弊。大盈若冲，其用不穷。大直若屈，大巧若拙，大辩若讷。躁胜寒，静胜热，清静为天下正。
Thehighestperfectionislikeimperfection,
Anditsuseisneverimpaired.
Thegreatestabundanceseemsmeager,
Anditsusewillneverfail.
Whatsmoststraightappearsdevious,
Thegreatestskillappearsclumsiness;
Thegreatesteloquenceseemslikestuttering.
Movementover (But)keepingstillover Whoiscalmandquietbe 天下有道，却走马以粪。天下无道，戎马生于郊。祸莫大于不知足；咎莫大于欲得。故，知足之足，常足矣。
WhentheworldlivesinaccordwithTao,
Racinghorsesareturnedbacktohaulrefusecarts.
WhentheworldlivesnotinaccordwithTao,
Cavalryaboundsinthecountryside.
Thereisnogreatercursethanthelackofcontentment.
Nogreatersinthanthedesireforpossession.
Thereforehewhoiscontentedwithcontentment
shallbealwayscontent.
四十七章
不出户，知天下；不窥牖，见天道。其出弥远，其知弥少。是以圣人不行而知，不见而明，不为而成。
Withoutsteppingoutsideonesdoors,
Onecanknowwhatishappeningintheworld,
Withoutlookingoutofoneswindows,
OnecanseetheTaoofheaven.
Thefartheronepursuesknowledge,
Thelessoneknows.
ThereforetheSageknowswithoutrunningabout,
Understandswithoutseeing,
Ac 为学日益，为道日损。损之又损，以至于无为。无为而无不为。取天下常以无事。及其有事，不足以取天下。
Thestudentofknowledge(aimsat)learningdaybyday;
ThestudentofTao(aimsat)losingdaybyday.
Bycontinuallosing
Onereachesdoingnothing(laissez-faire).
Hewhoconquerstheworldoftendoessobydoingnothing.
Whenoneis Theworldisalreadybeyondhisconquering.
四十九章
圣人常无心，以百姓心为心。善者吾善之，不善者吾亦善之，得善。信者吾信之，不信者吾亦信之，得信。圣人在天下，歙歙焉，为天下浑其心，圣人皆孩之。
TheSagehasnodecidedopinionsandfeelings,
Butregardsthepeoplesopinionsandfeelingsashisown.
ThegoodonesIdeclaregood;
ThebadonesIalsodeclaregood.
ThatisthegoodnessofVirtue.
ThehonestonesIbelieve;
TheliarsIalsobelieve;
ThatisthefaithofVirtue.
TheSagedwellsintheworldpeacefully,harmoniously.
Thepeopleoftheworldarebroughtintoa AndtheSageregardsthemallashisownchildren.
五十章
出生入死。生之徒，十有三；死之徒，十有三；人之生，动之死地，亦十有三。夫何故？以其生之厚。盖闻善摄生者，陵行不遇兕虎，入军不被甲兵。兕无所投其角，虎无所措其爪，兵无所容其刃。夫何故？以其无死地。
Outoflife,deathenters.
The The Whatsendmantodeathinthislifearealso(these)thirteen.
Howisitso?
Becauseoftheintenseactivityofmultiplyinglife.
Ithasbeensaidthatthewhoisagoodpreserverofhilife
Meetsnotigersorwildbuffaloesonland,
Isnotvulnerabletoweaponsinthefieldofbattle.
Thehornsofthewildbuffaloarepowerlessagainsthim.
Howisitso?
Becauseheisbeyonddeath.
五十一章
道生之，德畜之，物形之，器成之。是以万物莫不尊道而贵德。道之尊，德之贵，夫莫之命而常自然。故道生之，德畜之。长之育之，亭之毒之，养之覆之，生而不有，为而不恃，长而不宰，是谓玄德。
Taogivesthembirth,
Teh(character)fostersthem.
Thematerialworldgivesthemform.
Thecircumstancesofthemoment ThereforeallthingsoftheuniverseworshipTaoandexaltTeh.
TaoisworshippedandTehisexalted
Withoutanyonesorderbutissoofitsownaccord.
ThereforeTaogivesthembirth,
Tehfostersthem,
Makesthemgrow,developsthem,
Givesthemaharbor,aplacetodwellinpeace,
Feedsthemandshelterthem.
Itgivesthembirthanddoesnotownthem,
Acts(helps)anddoesnotappropriatethem,
Issuperior,anddoesnotcontrolthem.
-ThisistheMysticVirtue.
五十二章
天下有始，以为天下母。既得其母，以知其子。既知其子，复守其母，没身不殆。塞其兑，闭其门，终身不勤。启其兑，济其事，终身不救。见小曰明，守柔曰强。用其光，复归其明，无遗身殃，是为习常。
Therewasabeginningoftheuniverse
WhichmayberegardedastheMotheroftheUniverse.
FromtheMother,wemayknowhersons.
Afterknowingthesons,keeptotheMother.
Thusoneswholelifemaybepreservedfromharm.
Stopitsapertures,
Closeitsdoors,
Andoneswholelifeiswithouttoil.
Openitsapertures,
Bebusyaboutitsaffairs,
Andoneswholelifeisbeyondredemption.
Hewhocanseethesmallisclear-sighted;
Hewhostaysbygentilityisstrong.
usethelight,
Andreturntoclear-sightedness-
Thuscausenotyourselflaterdistress.
-ThisistorestintheAbsolute.
五十三章
使我介然有知，行于大道，唯施是畏。大道甚夷，而民好径。朝甚除，田甚芜，仓甚虚，服文采，带利剑，厌饮食，财货有馀，是为盗竽。非道也哉！
IfIwerepossessedofAustereKnowledge,
WalkingontheMainPath(Tao),
Iwouldavoidtheby-paths.
theMainpathiseasytowalkon,
Yetpeoplelovethesmallby-paths.
The(official)courtsarespicandspan,
(While)thefieldsgountilled,
Andthe(peoples)granariesareverylow.
(Yet)cladinembroideredgowns,
Andcarryingfindswords,
Surfeitedwithgoodfoodanddrinks,
(Theyare)splittingwithwealthandpossessions.
-Thisistoleadtheworldtowardbrigandage.
IsthisnotcorruptionofTao?
五十四章
善建者不拔，善抱者不脱，子孙以祭祀不辍。修之于身，其德乃真；修之于家，其德乃馀；修之于乡，其德乃长；修之于邦，其德乃丰；修之于天下，其德乃普。故以身观身，以家观家，以乡观乡，以邦观邦，以天下观天下。吾何以知天下然哉？以此。
Whoisfirmlyestablishedisnoteasilyshaken.
Whohasafirmgraspdoesnoteasilyletgo.
Fromgenerationtogenerationhisancestralsacrifices
Shallbecontinuedwithoutfail.
Cultivatedintheindividual,characterwillbe Cultivatedinthefamily,characterwillbe Cultivatedinthevillage,characterwillmultiply;
Cultivatedinthestate,characterwillprosper;
Cultivatedintheworld,characterwillbe Therefore:
Accordingto(thecharacterof)theindividual,
judgetheindividual;
Accordingto(thecharacterof)thefamily,
judgethefamily;
Accordingto(thecharacterof)thevillage,
judgethevillage;
Accordingto(thecharacterof)thestate,
judgethestate;
Accordingto(thecharacterof)theworld,
judgetheworld.
HowdoIknowthisisso?
Bythis.
五十五章
含「德」之厚，比于赤子。毒虫不螫，猛兽不据，攫鸟不搏。骨弱筋柔而握固。未知牝牡之合而□作，精之至也。终日号而不嗄，和之至也。知和曰常，知常曰明，益生曰祥，心使气曰强。物壮则老，谓之不道，不道早已。
Whoisrichincharacter
Islikeachild.
Nopoisonousinsectsstinghim,
Nowildbeastsattackhim,
Andnobirdsofpreypounceuponhim.
Hisbonesaresoft,hissinewstender,yethisgripisstrong.
Notknowingtheunionofmaleandfemale,yethisorgansare Whichmeanshisvigorisunspoiled.
Cryingthewholeday,yethisvoiceneverrunshoarse,
Whichmeanshis(natural)harmonyisperfect.
Toknowharmonyistobeinaccordwiththeeternal,
(And)toknoweternityiscalleddiscerning.
(But)toimproveuponlifeiscalledanill-omen;
Toletgotheemotionsthroughimpulseiscalledassertiveness.
(For)thingsageafterreachingtheirprime;
That(assertiveness)wouldbeagainstTao.
AndhewhoisagainstTaoperishesyoung.
五十六章
知者不言，言者不知。塞其兑，闭其门，挫其锐，解其纷，和其光，同其尘，是谓玄同。故不可得而亲，不可得而疏；不可得而利，不可得而害；不可得而贵，不可得而贱。故为天下贵。
Hewhoknowsdoesnotspeak;
Hewhospeaksdoesnotknow.
Fillupitsapertures,
Closeitsdoors,
Dullitsedges,
Untieitstangles,
Softenitslight,
Submergeitsturmoil,
-ThisistheMysticUnity.
Thenloveandhatredcannottouchhim.
Profitandlosscannotreachhim.
Honoranddisgracecannotaffecthim.
Thereforeishealwaysthehonoredoneoftheworld.
五十七章
以正治国，以奇用兵，以无事取天下。吾何以知其然哉？以此：天下多忌讳，而民弥贫；人多利器，国家滋昏；人多伎巧，奇物滋起；法令滋彰，盗贼多有。故圣人云：「我无为，而民自化；我好静，而民自正；我无事，而民自富；我无欲，而民自朴。」
RuleakingdombytheNormal.
Fightabattleby(abnormal)tacticsofsurprise.
Wintheworldbydoingnothing.
HowdoIknowitisso?
Throughthis:-
Themoreprohibitionsthereare,
Thepoorerthepeoplebe Themoresharpweaponsthereare,
Thegreaterthechaosinthestate.
Themoreskillsoftechnique,
Themorecunningthingsareproduced.
Thegreaterthenumberofstatutes,
Thegreaterthenumberofthievesand
brigands.
Thereforethesagesays:
Idonothingandthepeoplearereformedofthemselves.
Ilovequietudeandthepeoplearerighteousofthemselves.
Idealinnobusinessandthepeoplegrowrichbythemselves.
Ihavenodesiresandthepeoplearesimple
andhonestbythemselves.
五十八章
其政闷闷，其民淳淳；其政察察，其民缺缺。祸兮，福之所倚，福兮，祸之所伏。孰知其极？其无正。正复为奇，善复为妖。人之迷，其日固久！是以圣人方而不割，廉而不刿，直而不肆，光而不耀。
Whenthegovernmentislazyanddull,
Itspeopleareunspoiled;
Whenthegovernmentisefficientandsmart,
Itspeoplearediscontented.
Disasteristheavenueoffortune,
(And)fortuneistheconcealmentfordisaster.
Whowouldbeabletoknowitsultimateresults?
(Asitis),therewouldneverbethenormal.
Butthenormalwould(immediately)reverttothedeceitful.
Andthegoodreverttothesinister.
Thuslonghasmankindgoneastray!
ThereforetheSageissquare(hasfirmprinciples),
butnotcutting(sharp-cornered),
Hasintegritybutdoesnothurt(others),
Isstraight,butnothigh-handed,
Bright,butnotdazzling.
五十九章
治人、事天，莫若啬。夫为啬，是谓早服，早服谓之重积德。重积德则无不克。无不克则莫知其极。莫知其极，可以有国。有国之母，可以长久。是谓深根固柢，长生久视之道。
Inmanaginghumanaffairs,thereisnobetterrule
thantobesparing.
Tobesparingistoforestall;
Toforestallistobepreparedandstrengthened;
Tobepreparedandstrengthenedistobeever-victorious;
Tobeever-victoriousistohaveinfinitecapacity;
Hewhohasinfinitecapacityisfittoruleacountry,
AndtheMother(principle)ofarulingcountrycanlongendure.
Thisistobefirmlyrooted,tohavedeepstrength,
Theroadtoimmortalityandenduringvision.
六十章
治大国若烹小鲜。以道莅天下，其鬼不神。非其鬼不神，其神不伤人。非其神不伤人，圣人亦不伤人。夫两不相伤，故德交归焉。
Ruleabigcountryasyouwouldfrysmallfish.
WhorulestheworldinaccordwithTao
Shallfindthatthespiritslosetheirpower.
Itisnotthatthespiritslosetheirpower,
Butthattheyceasetodopeopleharm.
Itisnot(only)thattheyceasetodopeopleharm,
TheSage(himself)alsodoesnoharmtothepeople.
Whenbothdonotdoeachotherharm,
Theoriginalcharacterisrestored.
六十一章
大国者下流，天下之牝，天下之交。牝常以静胜牡，以静为下。故大国以下小国，则取小国；小国以下大国，则取大国。故或下以取，或下而取。大国不过欲兼畜人，小国不过欲入事人。夫两者各得所欲，大者宜为下。
Abigcountry(shouldbelike)thedeltalow-regions,
Beingtheconcourseoftheworld,
(And)theFemaleoftheworld.
TheFemaleover Andachievesthelowlypositionbyquietude.
Thereforeifabigcountryplacesitselfbelowasmallcountry
Itabsorbsthesmallcountry.
(And)ifasmallcountryplacesitselfbelowabigcountry,
Itabsorbsthebigcountry.
Thereforesomeplacethemselveslowtoabsorb(others),
Someare(naturally)lowandabsorb(others).
Whatabigcountrywantsisbuttoshelter
others,
Andwhatasmallcountrywantsisbut
tobeableto
Thus(considering)thatbothmayhavewhattheywant,
Abigcountryoughttoplaceitselflow.
六十二章
道者，万物之奥。善人之宝，不善人之所保。美言可以市尊，美行可以加人。人之不善，何弃之有？故立天子，置三公，虽有拱璧以先驷马，不如坐进此道。古之所以贵此道者何？不曰：求以得，有罪以免邪？故为天下贵。
Taoisthemysterioussecretoftheuniverse,
Thegoodmanstreasure,
Andthebadmansrefuge.
Beautifulsayingcanbesoldatthemarket,
Nobleconductcanbepresentedasagift.
Thoughtherebebadpeople,
Whyrejectthem?
Thereforeonthecrowningofanemperor,
OntheappointmentoftheThreeMinisters,
Ratherthansendtributesofjadeandteamsoffourhorses,
SendinthetributeofTao.
WhereindidtheancientsprizethisTao?
Didtheynotsay,"tosearchfortheguiltyonesandpardonthem"?
Thereforeis(tao)thetreasureoftheworld.
六十三章
为无为，事无事，味无味。大小多少，报怨以德。图难于其易；为大于其细。天下难事，必作于易；天下大事，必作于细。是以圣人终不为大，故能成其大。夫轻诺必寡信，多易必多难。是以圣人犹难之，故终无难矣。
Ac Attendtono-affairs.
Tastetheflavorless.
Whetheritisbigorsmall,manyorfew,
Requitehatredwithvirtue.
Dealwiththedifficultwhileyetitiseasy;
Dealwitthebigwhileyetitissmall.
Thedifficult(problems)oftheworld
Mustbedealtwithwhiletheyareyeteasy;
Thegreat(problems)oftheworld
Mustbedealtwithwhiletheyareyetsmall.
ThereforetheSagebyneverdealingwithgreat(problems)
Ac Hewholightlymakesapromise
Willfinditoftenhardtokeephisfaith.
Hewhomakeslightofmanythings
Willencountermanydifficulties.
HenceeventheSageregardsthingsasdifficult,
Andforthatreasonnevermeetswithdifficulties.
六十四章
其安易持；其未兆易谋；其脆易泮；其微易散。为之于未有，治之于未乱。合抱之木，生于毫末；九层之台，起于累土；千里之行，始于足下。为者败之；持者失之。是以，圣人无为，故无败；无持，故无失。民之从事，常于几成而败之。慎终如始，则无败事。是以圣人欲不欲，不贵难得之货，学不学，复众人之所过。以辅万物自然而不敢为。
Thatwhichliesstilliseasytohold;
Thatwhichisnotyetmanifestiseasytoforestall;
Thatwhichisbrittle(likeice)easilymelts;
Thatwhichisminuteeasilyscatters.
Dealwithathingbeforeitisthere;
Checkdisorderbeforeitisrife.
Atreewithafullspansgirthbeginsfromatinysprout;
Anine-storiedterracebeginswithaclodofearth.
Ajourneyofathousandlibeingsatonesfeet.
Hewhoacts,spoils;
Hewhograsps,letsslip.
BecausetheSagedoesnotact,hedoesnotspoil,
Becausehedoesnotgrasp,hedoesnotletslip.
Theaffairsofmenareoftenspoiledwithinanaceof
Bybeingcarefulattheendasatthebeginning
Failureisaverted.
ThereforetheSagedesirestohavenodesire,
Andvaluesnotobjectsdifficulttoobtain.
Learnsthatwhichisunlearned,
Andrestoreswhatthemultitudehavelost.
ThathemayassistinthecourseofNature
Andnotpresumetointerfere.
六十五章
古之善为道者，非以明民，将以愚之。民之难治，以其智多。故以智治国，国之贼；不以智治国，国之福。知此两者亦稽式。常知稽式，是谓玄德。玄德深矣，远矣，与物反矣，然后乃至大顺。
TheancientswhoknewhowtofollowtheTao
Aimednottoenlightenthepeople.,
Buttokeepthemignorant.
Thereasonitisdifficultforthepeopletoleaveinpeace
Isbecauseoftoomuchknowledge.
Thosewhoseektoruleacountrybyknowledge
Arethenationscurse.
Thosewhoseeknottoruleacountrybyknowledge
Arethenationsblessing.
Thosewhoknowthesetwo(principles)
Alsoknowtheancientstandard,
Andtoknowalwaystheancientstandard
IscalledtheMysticVirtue.
WhentheMysticVirtuebe Andthingsrevertback(totheirsource)
ThenandthenonlyemergestheGrandHarmony.
六十六章
江海所以能为百谷王者，以其善下之，故能为百谷王。是以圣人欲上民，必以言下之；欲先民，必以身后之。是以圣人居上而民不重，居前而民不害。是以天下乐推而不厌。以其不争，故天下莫能与之争。
Howdidthegreatriversandseasbe oftheravines?
Bybeinggoodatkeepinglow.
ThatwashowtheybecameLordsoftheRavines.
Thereforeinordertobethechiefamongthepeople,
Onemustspeakliketheirinferiors.
Inordertobeforemostamongthepeople,
Onemustwalkbehindthem.
ThusitisthattheSagestaysabove,
Andthepeopledonotfeelhisweight;
Walksinfront,
Andthepeopledonotwishhimharm.
Thenthepeopleoftheworldaregladtoupholdhimforever.
Becausehedoesnotcontend,
Nooneintheworldcancontendagainsthim.
六十七章
天下皆谓我道大，似不肖。夫唯大，故似不肖。若肖，久矣其细也夫！我有三宝，持而保之：一曰慈，二曰俭，三曰不敢为天下先。慈，故能勇；俭，故能广；不敢为天下先，故能成器长。今舍慈且勇，舍俭且广，舍后且先，死矣。夫慈，以战则胜，以守则固。天将救之，以慈卫之。
Alltheworldsays:myteaching(Tao)greatlyresemblesfolly.
Becauseitisgreat;thereforeitresemblesfolly.
Ifitdidnotresemblefolly,
Itwouldhavelongagobe IhaveThreeTreasures;
Guardthemandkeepthemsafe:
thefirstisLove.
Thesecondis,Nevertoomuch.
Thethirdis,Neverbethefirstintheworld.
ThroughLove,onehasnofear;
Throughnotdoingtoomuch,onehasamplitude
(ofreservepower);
Throughnotpresumingtobethefirstintheworld,
Onecandeveloponestalentandletitmature.
Ifoneforsakesloveandfearlessness,
forsakesrestraintandreservepower,
forsakesfollowingbehindandrushesinfront,
Heisdoomed!
Forloveisvictoriousinattack,
Andinvulnerableindefense.
Heavenarmswithlove
Thoseitwouldnotseedestroyed.
六十八章
善为士者，不武。善战者，不怒。善胜敌者，不与。善用人者，为之下。是谓不争之德，是谓用人之力，是谓配天，古之极。
Thebravesoldierisnotviolent;
Thegoodfighterdoesnotlosehistemper;
Thegreatconquerordoesnotfight(onsmallissues);
Thegooduserofmenplaceshimselfbelowothers.
-Thisisthevirtueofnot-contending,
Iscalledthecapacitytousemen,
Isreachingtotheheightofbeing
MatedtoHeaven,towhatwasofold.
六十九章
用兵有言：「吾不敢为主，而为客；不敢进寸，而退尺。」是谓行无行，攘无臂，执无兵，乃无敌矣。祸莫大于轻敌，轻敌几丧吾宝。故抗兵相若，哀者胜矣。
Thereisthemaximofmilitarystrategists;
Idarenotbethefirsttoinvade,butratherbetheinvaded.
Darenotpressforwardaninch,butratherretreatafoot.
Thatis,tomarchwithoutformations,
Torollupthesleeves,
Tochargenotinfrontalattacks,
Toarmwithoutweapons.
Thereisnogreatercatastrophethantounderestimatetheenemy.
Tounderestimatetheenemymightentailthelossofmytreasures.
Thereforewhentwoequallymatchedarmiesmeet,
Itisthemanofsorrowwhowins.
七十章
吾言甚易知，甚易行。天下莫能知，莫能行。言有宗，事有君。夫唯无知，是以不我知。知我者希，则我者贵。是以圣人被褐而怀玉。
Myteachingsareveryeasytounderstand
andveryeasytopractice,
Butnoonecanunderstandthemand
noonecanpracticethem.
Inmywordsthereisaprinciple.
Intheaffairsofmenthereisasystem.
Becausetheyknownotthese,
Theyalsoknowmenot.
Sincetherearefewthatknowme,
ThereforeIamdistinguished.
ThereforetheSagewearsacoarseclothontop
Andcarriesjadewithinhisbosom.
七十一章
知不知，上，不知不知，病。圣人不病，以其病病，是以不病。
Whoknowsthathedoesnotknowisthehighest;
Who(pretendsto)knowwhathedoesnotknowissick-minded.
Andwhorecognizessick-mindednessassick-mindedness
isnotsick-minded.
TheSageisnotsick-minded.
Becauseherecognizessick-mindednessassick-mindness,
Thereforeheisnotsick-minded.
七十二章
民不畏威，则大威至。无狎其所居，无厌其所生。夫唯不厌，是以不厌。是以圣人自知不自见，自爱不自贵。故去彼取此。
Whenpeoplehavenofearofforce,
Then(asisthe uponthem.
Despisenottheirdwellings,
Dislikenottheirprogeny.
Becauseyoudonotdislikethem,
Youwillnotbedislikedyourself.
ThereforetheSageknowshimself,butdoesnotshowhimself,
Loveshimself,butdoesnotexalthimself.
Thereforeherejectstheone(force)and
acceptstheother(gentility).
七十三章
勇于敢，则杀，勇于不敢，则活。此两者，或利或害。天之所恶，孰知其故？天之道，不争而善胜，不言而善应，不召而自来，姗然而善谋。天网恢恢，疏而不失。
Whoisbraveindaring(you)kill,
Whoisbraveinnotdaring(you)letlive.
Inthesetwo,
Thereissomeadvantageandsomedisadvantage.
(Evenif)Heavendislikescertainpeople,
Whowouldknow(whoaretobekilledand)why?
ThereforeeventheSageregardsitasadifficultquestion.
HeavensWay(Tao)isgoodatconquestwithoutstrife,
Rewarding(viceandvirtue)withoutwords,
Makingitsappearancewithoutcall,
Achievingresultswithoutobviousdesign.
Theheavensnetisbroadandwide.
Withbigmeshes,yetlettingnothingslipthrough.
七十四章
民不畏死，奈何以死惧之？若使民常畏死，而为奇者，吾得执而杀之，孰敢？常有司杀者杀。夫代司杀者杀，是谓代大匠斫。夫代大匠斫者，希有不伤其手矣。
Thepeoplearenotafraidofdeath;
Whythreatenthemwithdeath?
Supposingthatthepeople
areafraidofdeath,
Andwecanseizeandkilltheunruly,
Whowoulddaretodoso?
Oftenithappensthattheexecutioneriskilled.
Andtotaketheplaceoftheexecutioner
Islikehandlingthehatchetforthemastercarpenter.
Hewhohandlesthehatchetforthemastercarpenter
seldomescapesinjurytohishands.
七十五章
民之饥，以其上食税之多，是以饥。民之不治，以其上之有为，是以不治。民之轻死，以其上求生之厚，是以轻死。夫唯无以生为者，是贤于贵生。
Whenpeoplearehungry,
Itisbecausetheirrulerseattoomuchtax-grain.
Thereforetheunrulinessofhungrypeople
Isduetotheinterferenceoftheirrulers.
Thatiswhytheyareunruly.
Thepeoplearenotafraidofdeath,
Becausetheyareanxioustomakealiving.
Thatiswhytheyarenotafraidofdeath.
Itisthosewhointerferenotwiththeirliving
Thatarewiseinexaltinglife.
七十六章
人之生也柔弱，其死也坚强。草木之生也柔脆，其死也枯槁。故坚强者死之徒，柔弱者生之徒。是以兵强则灭，木强则折，强大居下，柔弱居上。
Whenmanisborn,heistenderandweak;
Atdeath,heishardandstiff.
Whenthethingsandplantsarealive,theyaresoft
andsupple;
Whentheyaredead,theyarebrittleanddry.
Thereforehardnessandstiffnessarethe death,
Andsoftnessandgentlenessarethe Thereforewhenanarmyisheadstrong,itwillloseinabattle.
Whenatreeishard,itwillbecutdown.
Thebigandstrongbelongunderneath.
Thegentleandweakbelongatthetop.
七十七章
天之道，其犹张弓欤？高者抑之，下者举之，有馀者损之，不足者补之。天之道，损有馀而补不足。人之道，则不然：损不足以奉有馀。孰能有馀以奉天下？唯有道者。是以圣人为而不恃，功成而不居，其不欲见贤。
TheTao(way)ofHeaven,
Isitnotlikethebendingofabow?
Thetop Theextra(length)isshortened,theinsufficient(width)
isexpanded.
ItisthewayofHeaventotakeawayfromthosethathavetoomuch
Andgivetothosethathavenotenough.
Notsowithmansway:
Hetakesfromthosethathavenot
Andgivesitastributetothosethathavetoomuch.
Whocanhaveenoughandtosparetogivetotheentireworld?
OnlythemanofTao.
ThereforetheSageacts,butdoesnotpossess,
Ac Becausehehasnowishtoseemsuperior.
七十八章
天下莫柔弱于水，而攻坚强者莫之能胜，以其无以易之。弱之胜强，柔之胜刚，天下莫不知，莫能行。是以圣人云：「受国之垢，是谓社稷主；受国不祥，是为天下王。」正言若反。
Thereisnothingweakerthanwater
Butnoneissuperiortoitinover Forwhichthereisnosubstitute.
Thatweaknessover Andgentlenessover Noonedoesnotknow;
Noonecanputintopractice.
ThereforetheSagesays:
"Whoreceivesuntohimselfthecalumnyoftheworld
Isthepreserverofthestate.
Whobearshimselfthesinsoftheworld
Iskingoftheworld."
Straightwordsseemcrooked.
七十九章
和大怨，必有馀怨，安可以为善？是以圣人执左契而不责于人。有德司契，无德司彻。天道无亲，恒与善人。
Patchingupagreathatredissuretoleavesomehatredbehind.
Howcanthisberegardedassatisfactory?
ThereforetheSageholdsthelefttally,
Anddoesnotputtheguiltontheotherparty.
thevirtuousmanisforpatchingup;
Theviciousisforfixingguilt.
But"thewayofHeavenisimpartial;
Itsidesonlywiththegoodman."
八十章
小邦寡民。使有什伯之器而不用；使民重死而不远徙。虽有舟舆，无所乘之；虽有甲兵，无所陈之。使民复结绳而用之。甘其食，美其服，安其居，乐其俗。邻邦相望，鸡犬之声相闻，民至老死，不相往来。
(Lettherebe)asmallcountrywithasmallpopulation,
Wherethesupplyofgoodsaretenfoldorhundredfold,
morethantheycanuse.
Letthepeoplevaluetheirlivesandnotmigratefar.
Thoughtherebeboatsandcarriages,
Nonebetheretoridethem.
Thoughtherebearmorandweapons,
Nooccasiontodisplaythem.
Letthepeopleagaintieropesforreckoning,
Letthemenjoytheirfood,
Beautifytheirclothing,
Besatisfiedwiththeirhomes,
Delightintheircustoms.
Theneighboringsettlementsoverlookoneanother
Sothattheycanhearthebarkingofdogsandcrowing
ofcocksoftheirneighbors,
Andthepeopletilltheendoftheirdaysshallnever
havebeenoutsidetheircountry.
八十一章
信言不美，美言不信。善者不辩，辩者不善。知者不博，博者不知。圣人不积，既以为人己愈有，既以与人己愈多。天之道，利而不害；圣人之道，为而不争。
Truewordsarenotfine-sounding;
Fine-soundingwordsarenottrue.
Agoodmandoesnotargue;
hewhoarguesisnotagoodman.
thewiseonedoesnotknowmanythings;
Hewhoknowsmanythingsisnotwise.
TheSagedoesnotaccumulate(forhimself).
Helivesforotherpeople,
Andgrowsricherhimself;
Hegivestootherpeople,
Andhasgreaterabundance.
TheTaoofHeaven
Blesses,butdoesnotharm.
TheWayoftheSage
Ac
转载请注明：http://www.mengjialaguos.com/ddjqw/10122.html
