1.
Or fame or life,
Which do you hold more dear?
Or life or wealth,
To which would you adhere?
Keep life and lose those other things;
Keep them and lose your life:--which brings
Sorrow and pain more near?
Commentary
Commentary
Source: Editorial Summary
This chapter explores core themes of the Tao Te Ching, including non-action, harmony with nature, and the power of simplicity.
Philosophical Insight
Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue
1. "Name or person, which is more near? Person or fortune, which is more dear? Gain or loss, which is more sear? 2. "Extreme dotage leadeth to squandering. Hoarded wealth inviteth plundering. 3. "Who is content incurs no humiliation, Who knows when to stop risks no vitiation, Forever lasteth his duration." Next: 45. Greatest Virtue | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... Next: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... »
Commentary
Commentary
Philosophical Insight