This sentence from The Left Hand of Darkness , for example:. To see more of my favorite books, check out my reading years. This site participates in the Amazon Affiliates program, the proceeds of which keep it free for anyone to read. At one point she recited some Robert Frost and some Basho: Eventually we said our goodbyes. Recent posts Exploit or explore?
Heraclitus on the harmony of tensions Two recent podcasts I declare it art Date stamps. But the central thing the Tao Te Ching asks us to be aware of is not the world, but our self.
We all know the term, but do we really know what it means? What would it be like to care for all things as much as we cared for our self? In the words of David Foster Wallace , whose literary philosophy is a natural mirror of Taoist thought, the default setting for people is to be "uniquely, completely, imperially alone day in and day out".
Not because we are physically alone, as we know loneliness hits heaviest in crowds. But because we are mired in a deep-seated and near-universal delusion. Despite knowing that we are part of a vast universe, on a massively complex planet shared with seven billion other human lives, we continue with the truly insane perception that we are the centre of the world. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.
If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy. The Master doesn't talk, he acts. When his work is done, the people say, 'Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!
Verse 17 of the Tao Te Ching reflects on one of the text's consistent themes, how to lead others with integrity. Today we seem to actively select against leaders who demonstrate self-awareness. Instead, in political figures such as Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, the mass-media landscape favours survival of the biggest and most monstrously deformed egos.
They're an unavoidable by-product of power, a scum of pure ego that forms on the surface of society and imitates the appearance of leadership. The Tao Te Ching is a 2,year-old reminder that today, as then, every one of us has a choice to practise self-awareness and exercise our own power in and over the world. He stays in front, Yet the people do not suffer any harm.
Thus all gladly praise him untiringly pu yen. Because he does not contend with any, Therefore no one under heaven can contend with him. General comment This chapter on the relationship between the ruler and the people is directly connected with chapter 61, which is on the relationship among states. The key concept is again hsia, low or downward flowing. In domestic affairs as well as in international relations, the ruler is to imitate water by reaching downward to the people, assisting in their own self-unfolding without imposing himself on them.
View all 14 comments. This version irritates me a lot, largely because of Stephen Mitchell's arrogance in writing it I'll go into that in a bit. This is not a translation which Mitchell was at least gracious enough to make clear in the back of the book ; it's a translation of various translations. The problem with this is that a translation of a translation turns out the same way that a copy of a copy does: while some of the original words and phrases are identifiable, there's a lot that's lost or skewed.
For examp This version irritates me a lot, largely because of Stephen Mitchell's arrogance in writing it I'll go into that in a bit. For example, here is a good translation of the first line of Ch. Lau: "Not to honor men of worth will keep the people from contention. It does not mean "powerless. While it doesn't damage the understanding of someone already familiar with Taoism and its literature, it does mislead those new to Taoism who seek an authentic introductory text to understand the philosophy.
As I mentioned above, what really irritates me is Mitchell's arrogance regarding his version of the text versus the original Chinese versions and the translations that more closely adhere to their meaning. In the question-and-answer section located in the back of the book, the querent says: "But it's one thing to translate Rilke and the Book of Job when you read German and Hebrew; it's quite another to translate books like the Tao Te Ching, the Bhagavad Gita, or Gilgamesh without any knowledge of the original languages.
Of course, I wouldn't dare work with a text that I didn't feel deeply connected to--I used to speak of my 'umbilical connection' to Lao-tzu. But isn't the best translation one that is authentic on multiple levels, emotionally and literally?
However, if I had to choose, I'd rather read a translation that is accurate and discover the emotional resonance on my own. They share some similar values and qualities, but they are distinct. Mitchell continues: "There was also the excitement of the aesthetic challenge. Some calculated that by there were translations of the Tao Te Ching into English alone. I had read six or seven of them, and although I loved the content, the language was mediocre at best: not much poetry in it, not much sparkle.
This may sound arrogant too, and irrational. How can you fall in love with a book whose actual words bore you? But that's what happened. It's completely non-Taoist. Instead, he decided that he'd rather cut entire paragraphs, rearrange the remaining words, and even alter the meaning to better suit his aesthetic values.
His disregard for accuracy and his preference for his concept of beauty over truth not only shows a complete lack of respect for the text, the tradition and its culture of origin; it's also just not scholarly. Another interesting admission made by Mitchell is that he spent only four months writing this version. So, obviously, I was getting more focused, or more efficient The vast difference in time spent translating Job and rewriting the Tao Te Ching instead tells me that he worked very hard to faithfully render the former and just cobbled together the latter.
Mitchell actually reads and understands Hebrew, so it's likely that he was aware of the nuances of the language and therefore understood the importance of accurately rendering the text into English. Mitchell doesn't read any Chinese. If the language is incomprehensible to him, how can he possibly grasp the nuances of the characters in order to accurately translate them for others?
This isn't to say that his version is completely wrong. Many sections are fairly accurate like the line in Ch. But there are also many places in his text that are inaccurate to the point of misconstruing the core concepts of the belief system. So if you're new to Taoism and are looking for a translation that accurately communicates Taoist beliefs and sensibilities, I suggest that you go somewhere else.
There are many other translations that more accurately render the Tao Te Ching in English. Each has its own particular "flavor" and may contain slightly different words or rhythms, but most aim to faithfully present an accurate translation of the text that, while not serving every culture's aesthetic requirements, is very beautiful in its own way and has a lot of wisdom to offer, regardless of cultural and generational differences in taste.
The site provides not only several different translations, but also the original Wang Bi text with translations of each character. If, however, you're already familiar with the Tao Te Ching and other Taoist literature, Mitchell's book at least serves as a good example of Taoism's effect on contemporary American culture. View all 28 comments. Apr 23, Tanu rated it really liked it Shelves: philosophy , non-fiction , classic , cultural , self-help , reviewed.
Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn't possess acts but doesn't expect. The Tao Te Ching helps us understand the principles of Taoism, which is an ancient school of philosophy that is still applicable today. This book definitely is not a one time read. Something to keep co "If you realize that all things change, there's nothing you will try to hold on to.
Something to keep coming back once in a while, like a place of worship. This book is poetry to the soul and mind. View all 7 comments. I really made an effort to understand what was meant by each and every poem. I read Ursula K. The book relishes in its own mystery. It is responsible for the strong being strong but equally responsible for the weak being weak. When I no longer have a body, what trouble have I? Doing not doing is also an ongoing theme in the book.
If everyone else is allowed to take ancient philosophies out of context, so am I damn it! In all seriousness though, Lao Tzu usually uses this phrase in relation to governance, as in, a leader should lead with minimal meddling in the affairs of the people.
Or in relation to the individual, living without striving for more. So, yeah, still gotta do the dishes. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it. Essentially giving in as a means of survival.
D C Lau explains that this is likely a result of the time in which the book was written The Warring States in which self-preservation was as much as many would dare to achieve. The Tao Te Ching is not just a book about a way for the individual to live in sync with the Tao.
Lao Tzu also likes to comment on the dangers of wealth and living beyond ones most basic needs, as well as expressing his opinions on governance and anti-violence sentiments. Lao Tzu was an anti-capitalist and anarchist before these things even existed. Ignorant people are easier to rule and one should also rule in ignorance. This specific edition contains a magnificent and substantial introduction in which Lau not to be confused with Lao gives his own thoughtful and scholarly opinions on what some of the key concepts that can be taken from the text are.
He also discusses what is known about the history of the text and the period in which it was, traditionally, thought to have been compiled in and addresses inconsistencies in the text, giving convincing arguments for the case that the book was likely not written by one wise old sage named Lao Tzu at all, but in fact was a compilation of many different Taoist thinkers, their disciples and, later, various commentators. Today I have seen Lao Tzu who is perhaps like a dragon.
View all 15 comments. She has but doesn't possess, acts but doesn't expect. It consists of 81 short chapters written in poetic form which, using a pithy language brimming with evocative and, at times, repetitive contradictions, provide guidance on how humanity may have a ha Concatenated thoughts. It's the kind of translation I like; as literal as possible. This goodness is as insecure as Job's and can be as self-satisfied as Little Jack Horner's. Whereas a good father has no intention of being good; he just acts naturally.
For every force there is a counter force. Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao. Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him.
Notes: doesn't try to force issues : He lets the issues resolve themselves. Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.
The Master is above the people, and no one feels oppressed. She goes ahead of the people, and no one feels manipulated. The whole world is grateful to her. Because she competes with no one, no one can compete with her. Notes: The Master is above the people : Not that she feels superior, but that, looking from a higher vantage point, she can see more. The whole world is grateful to her : Even those who think they are ungrateful.
This was immensely interesting to read, though I found myself somewhat aggravated by the passivism that ran through the writing. It's almost like a poetical treatise on humility, but what of ambition and a drive to make the world a better place?
Should we all accept our station in life and never aim to improve? I think not. It accepts things as they are however they are and cannot conceive of a better future.
Everything should stay the same, and exist within the natural order of things. But ho This was immensely interesting to read, though I found myself somewhat aggravated by the passivism that ran through the writing. But how do we define the natural?
VI The Spirit of the valley never dies This is called the mysterious female. The gateway of the mysterious female Is called the route of heaven on earth. Dimly visible, it seems as if it were there, Yet use will never drain it. The poem speaks of mother nature as replenishing and everlasting; she will always endure and is the gateway to heaven on earth, to our own nirvana.
We can never completely spend her. The metaphor is for the path as Taoism and nature are one and the same here. For the speaker, Taoism or the way is the most natural of things we can partake in.
We will also never drain the benefits of it and they will also last perpetually. And these ideas for me felt strong and real, but the writing also muses over empire. The Empire is a sacred vessel and nothing should be done to it. Whoever does anything to it will ruin it; whoever lays hold of it will lose it. Hence some things lead and some follow; Some breath gently and some breathe hard; Some are strong and some are weak; Some destroy and some are destroyed.
Therefore the sage avoids excess, extravagance and arrogance. I take so much issue with this quote. In what way can we ever refer to an Empire as natural?
Empire's are always built with the blood of someone else. The quote also shows how people are all different, though it concludes that this is simply the way of things. A weak person should not try to make himself strong. Such a thing is an excess. We should simply stay humble and never challenge the norms of an Empire. And that's when I stopped listening to what the book had to say. As an historical piece it's interesting to study, but I take absolutely no stock in the words.
Lau which you can find HERE. In this space I just want to focus on what Ursula K. Le Guin brings to the table and what exactly makes her rendition of the classic, unique from the plethora of other translations and renditions that are available. I have to commend D. Lau for his fantastic translation of the Tao, which includes a wonderful introduction as well as two very informative appendices. And in poetry, beauty is no ornament; it is the meaning. Where some of the passages in other translations make it clear that this was, in many ways, a manual for rulers; Le Guin takes liberty in changing certain phrases to relate more to the everyday individual.
I loved the confidence she showed in taking on and re-interpreting this ancient work, whilst always showing respect to the material and addressing, clearly, any amendments that she made. In addition to her fantastic commentary on the chapters of the Tao, Le Guin also brings her own insight to the questionable origins of the text through analysis of the poem structures within. What a keen mind. Lau comes to the same conclusion for similar reasons.
Le Guin journey here. We, rise, flourish, fail. The way never fails. We are waves. It is the sea. It's somewhat uncertain when it was written circa 4th-3rd century BC , the author's life details are largely invented, and the existence of the author is not quite certain either Lao Tzu is just his title, and also it's not known if the text is by one author, or a group of authors worked over some years. It was first translated in the late s, and the oldes existin review after rereading: This book's contents and history have both a sense of vagueness, but not in a bad way, in my opinion.
It was first translated in the late s, and the oldes existing copy is from circa BC. It's a bit hard to categorise: ethics? But really, in my view any of those would do. In a way it felt a bit like Dhammapada, which I've read earlier, in that even if you're not interested in the religion it's part of, it will still appeal, and is a pretty easy a read.
I read it quite quickly now. Taoism is clearly put as an opposite way of thinking against Confucianism - which shows in some parts of this text - the latter being based on duties to the community and the family, but somewhat rigidly black and white at its hardest. Taoism is in its end less rigid, putting weight on the coexistence of the opposites, reverence of nature, flexibility and not being too controlling. The Tao is a force in the world, not completely graspable or something one can give a finite meaning, but which balances our world.
It is gentleness, avoiding conflict of grasping, seeking peacefulness, simplicity, detachment and humility. Making the point without engaging in rhetoric and arguments. The book's message is simple, the prose spare with plenty of natural imagery. The wisdom the Tao of the book is feminine, yin in balance with the yang while in Confucianism the yang seems sometimes bit heavily-leaned on. The message seems simple, yet is deep. Quite a few sentences bounced out of the text as familiar, things I've seen quoted.
Reading and rereading each page will most certainly happen for me in the future. The whole thing reads just like a beautiful ancient Chinese nature painting Such is this book. Sep 04, Farhan Khalid rated it really liked it Shelves: philosophy , religion , china. To understand the small is called clarity Knowing how to yield is called strength Those who know do not talk Those who talk do not know Act by not acting Do by not doing A journey of 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 Compassion is the protector of Heaven's salvation View 1 comment.
The simplicity of Torode's translation makes it my favorite so far and lines up with the Taoist philosophy of simplicity. I may consider other works translated by Torode. He has some interesting works out there, such as "The Song of Solomon. I love this book of philosophy. It gives great common sense 4. It gives great common sense and helps pave new thought patterns not taught in American culture, paths that lead to peace and sanity.
My favorite book of philosophy. Shows a path of peace, contentment and subtle, quiet, managable power. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue this long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are able to continue and endure. The quote has reminded me of the power of humility, and the deceptive and dichotomous nature of that power. Humility clothes itself in rags of weakness and frailty but draws superhuman strength, and the Tao Te Ching calls this an empty vessel being filled with another power.
I admire this amazing and deeply profound piece of religious literature. The philosophy coincides with my own faith. The book teaches, as already mentioned, the power of humility.
It teaches the value of things considered meaningless, such as empty space. We build houses, form rooms with four walls, but the basis of this structure lies upon the importance of the empty space. Empty space provides room to live, to breathe, to walk, to make love, to work. The power and mechanics of a wheel depend on the empty space. Thus, we consider worthless things, abased things, as meaningless. We say we live life to the fullest when we have what we want, and when we lose it all, we have no meaning, no purpose, no life.
The book attempts to explain this.
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