1. When the Tao prevails in the world, they send back their swift
horses to (draw) the dung-carts. When the Tao is disregarded in the
world, the war-horses breed in the border lands.
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. When the world possesses Reason, race horses are reserved for hauling dung. When the world is without Reason, war horses are bred in the common. 2. No greater sin than yielding to desire. No greater misery than discontent. No greater calamity than greed. 3. Therefore, he who knows content's content is always content. Next: 47. Viewing the Distant | « 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