Chapter 45

Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide. Do thou what's straight still crooked deem; Thy greatest art still stupid seem, And eloquence a stammering scream. Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven.

Commentary

Commentary

GREATEST VIRTUE. 1. "Greatest perfection imperfect will be, But its work ne'er waneth. Greatest fulness is vacuity, Its work unexhausted remaineth." 2. "Straightest lines resemble curves; Greatest skill like a tyro serves; Greatest eloquence stammers and swerves." 3. Motion conquers cold. Quietude p. 106 conquers heat. Purity and clearness are the world's standard. Next: 46. Moderation of Desire | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... Next: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao t...