Translation: Tao Te King -Chapter 45. Boundless virtue

Chapter 45. Boundless virtue

The one who sees that his highest achievements are imperfect can continue his work endlessly.

De - Virtue in Oracle script
Chinese Oracle script for de 德 “virtue”. PD-ancient. Uploaded from chineseetymology.com by Keahapana.

The one who sees that his greatest possessions are emptiness can continue accumulating forever.

His greatest straightness is only humble bending.

His highest wisdom is only uttering.

Action conquers coldness, peacefullness conquers heat.

With virtue and peacefullness the world can be conquered.

 


Own translation from 1925 Finnish translation by Pekka Ervast (ISBN 951-8995-01-X) with kind permission of Ruusu-Ristin Kirjallisuusseura ry.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.