Chapter 59

For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering

the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like

moderation.

It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early

return (to man's normal state). That early return is what I call the

repeated accumulation of the attributes (of the Tao). With that

repeated accumulation of those attributes, there comes the subjugation

(of every obstacle to such return). Of this subjugation we know not

what shall be the limit; and when one knows not what the limit shall

be, he may be the ruler of a state.

He who possesses the mother of the state may continue long. His

case is like that (of the plant) of which we say that its roots are

deep and its flower stalks firm:--this is the way to secure that its

enduring life shall long be seen.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

HOLD FAST TO REASON.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. To govern the people is the affair of heaven and there is nothing like thrift. Now consider that thrift is said to come from early practice. 2. By early practice it is said that we can accumulate an abundance of virtue. If one accumulates an abundance of virtue then there is nothing that can not be overcome. 3. When nothing can not be overcome then no one knows his limit. When no one knows his limit one can have possession of the commonwealth. 4. Who has possession of the commonwealth's mothe...