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Chapter 20 of Laotse's TaoTeChing

Time:2010-07-18    Author:calligraphy artist    Source:authorship    Tag:laotse(10)TaoTeChing(10)Laozi(9)DaoDeJing(9)China callig(1)

There are many criticism to Laotse/Laozi's TaoTeChing/DaoDeJing because of his concept in this chapter. Some people think Laotse/Laozi's theory is very saponaceous, negative and worldly-wise. Actually I think his theory pliable but not saponaceous, introspective but not negative, perspicacious but not worldly-wise. Today, most of people are too acid-tongued and hairbrained to keep our mind sober. Following is the original text of the chapter 20 of Laotse/Laozi's TaoTeChing/DaoDeJing.

The China calligraphy work image of this chapter of TaoTeChing/DaoDeJing of Laotse/Laozi
The China calligraphy work image of this chapter of TaoTeChing/DaoDeJing of Laotse/Laozi

How much difference is there between the nobleness and lowliness? How much difference is there between the goodliness and frightfulness? (The value judgment of common custom changes continuously.) That all men fear is indeed to be feared, you need not to challenge it consciously.
The sages who follow 'Tao', how wide and without end their spirit boundary is.
The people of the world chase after the fame and gain tirelessly, as if enjoying the great full banquet, as if mounting the terrace to enjoy good view in spring;
But sages will not seek fame and wealth; they disregard all fame and gain;
They hold their pure essentiality like a new-born infant which has not yet smiled;
They are carefree and leisurely without worry of desire;
The people of the world pursue nabobism day after day,
While the sages are content to lead a humble but virtuous life;
The people of the world cling to peacockery flaunt,
The sages are willing to stay in loneliness and still;
The people of the world haggle over every ounce,
But, the sages always make themselves peace;
The people of the world aspire after glaring success,
The sages keep their heart simple and calm.
The Sages alone are different from other men; they value the life that closes to the nursing-mother (the Tao).

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