Chapter 53

If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position

to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should

be most afraid of would be a boastful display.

The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the

by-ways.

Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their

fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They

shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their

girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a

superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes) may be called

robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

GAINING INSIGHT.

Philosophical Insight

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

1. If I have ever so little knowledge, I shall walk in the great Reason. It is but expansion that I must fear. 2. The great Reason is very plain, but people are fond of by-paths. 3. When the palace is very splendid, the fields are very weedy and granaries very empty. 4. To wear ornaments and gay clothes, to carry sharp swords, to be excessive in drinking and eating, to have a redundance of costly articles, this is the pride of robbers. 5. Surely, this is un-Reason. Next: 54. The Cultivation of I...