Chapter 77. The Heavenly Tao
Like arching of the bow is the heavenly Tao.
It brings down all that is high and lifts up that which is lowly.
It reduces where excess is and adds where there is lack.
The heavenly Tao makes all beings equal. This Tao is not of the human.
Human takes from the needy to add to his own pride.
Where is the man who has ample wealth and gives it to the service of the world? Only he, who has Tao.
This is why the wise one performs his work without expecting reward and does not seek honor for himself.
That is how he hides his richness.
Own translation from 1925 Finnish translation by Pekka Ervast (ISBN 951-8995-01-X) with kind permission of Ruusu-Ristin Kirjallisuusseura ry.