Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

by D. C. Lau (Translator)

One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. The Tao Te Ching offers a practical model by which both the individual and society can embody this belief, encouraging modesty and self-restraint as the true path to a harmonious and balanced existence. D C Lau's translation capture the full poetic grace of the Tao Te Ching. This edition also contains a detailed introduction, a chronological table, a glossary and appendices.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Poetry, Ancient

191 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Ryan Romo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite this work being written by multiple unknown authors instead of the mythical Laozi the metaphysics and ethics in this book are fascinating. From the Dao being the origin of all things. The ethics of egoless and non commanding action , frugality ,simpleness and compassion being the basis for the sage. The text despite these qualities is at times cryptic requiring rereading and acquiring commentaries that explain what the text could be saying would be needed alongside other translations to spot wording differences.

[Alys · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stunningly dull and unpoetic translation. I found myself rewriting lines throughout as I read along as the text repeatedly suggested much more beautiful and rich formulations that had obviously been decided against by the translator.

As a work, a mixed bag, interesting but disappointing. The notion of wu wei is one that's been familiar to me for a few years now without my inquiring too deeply, and it's one I've found extremely suggestive and subtle. Much of the wisdom collected here however is rooted in a much more straightforward and undialecticalised fearfulness, with an ugly thread of sociopathic political Machiavellianism running through it, that must be read around or interpreted inventively to get anything out of it beyond a series of schemes for psychological poisoning of a population to maintain a state of stupid acquiescence.

I found things of value in here certainly, but ultimately have come away prefering my own extrapolations regarding the tao than the wisdom of this ancient classic.

[Robert Nield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Lao Tzu is both a text in a problematic state and a very muddled body of thought; the excellent introduction and appendices explain this but it doesn't really make the aphoristic ideas of the text more rewarding. Probably specialists will want a more specialised edition and I'm not sure that the text itself commands too much interest for general readers (such as myself) without a background in Chinese history, ethics of governance and philosophy.

[Jordan Kaplan]

DC Lau’s introduction is illuminating, but I found the actual text pretty impenetrable. I can’t assign a rating here - ‘Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good’

[Jessica Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a difficult time with poetry and this was no exception (especially due to its age and translation) but introduction and appendix by DC Lau was extremely informative of the text and found it to be more interesting than the text itself.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third translation I've read and I can see why this one in particular is used for academic study and reference. There's footnotes and asterisks throughout and the verses within each passage are divided into numbered sections. Each and every word is very closely dissected and interrogated against each other and against the whole and back again with sterility. The "preciseness" contrasts with its introduction and conclusion segments educating on the fact that the text's authorship, time of writing, how much of it went together originally or not and the untranslatable nuance of the language render the text's form utterly debatable even after much dissection. Especially so when adding how complicated and mixed the organization or scattering of writings like these were in the period and place, according to the book. This translation and study shows the text as an anthology of logic by elders on how to live instead of the initial recounting of it as a singular book given by one wise man.
I admired the academic composure greatly and what I learned, but I didn't really enjoy the reading experience. It felt very cold, dense and calculated with lots of caveats, like a bureaucratic cross-examination rather than a spiritual, profound text. There were also many historical references and allusions to other texts that, as a newcomer, had me completely lost on what he was referring to or tying in. I guess I learned that I prefer translations with artistic nuance in transferring feeling and resonance in keeping the spirit of the text. But again, I'm a novice that's still learning and I'm ignorant in this topic. I'd much rather read the Gia-Feng & Jane English translation again, and I'm looking forward to the Le Guin version that I'm going to read next.

[Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many translations of The Tao Te Ching. When I initially read this one I was a bit disappointed. Because it is the only book copy I have with me, now that I'm living almost 'monk-like' in a one-room cabaña on the side of a mountain in México, I would turn to it regularly. And with each look I felt it was engaging me more deeply and agreeably.

What came clear to me with each read was the sincerity of Lau, the translator. It feels to me that he put his heart into this. Perhaps my increased engagement comes in part because with my steady yoga practices my heart is now open enough for it to be touched by Lau's sincerity and dedicated energy.

I went looking at other translations of Ch.13 to include in my current substack essay. After looking at about eight translations that I found on line, I almost choose Lau's. For me it floated up above even those of the 'famous' sinologists Thomas Cleary, Arthur Hendrick, James Legge and Arthur Waley. It came second to that of Lin Yutang because Yutang's aligned a bit more closely with the theme of my essay than did Lau's. And I chose Lau's translation of Ch.70 for that essay.

A very good translation and worth looking at.
Solid 4 stars.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's difficult to review texts of their time and place like this one, which are so far removed from our own. But what I gathered from my first reading was that life in this time period and region was a harsh and unforgiving existence. Much of the text compels its audience to yield to reality and conform to the flow of nature, which appears to have been necessary in this political landscape. Since much of the language on the spiritual ontology of the system is without context, I assume that a commentary contextualising passages which describe these otherworldly entities would be helpful.

Despite that I would recommend this book as a first philosophy primary source outside of the Western tradition, as it is short and relatively easy to understand.

[Harry]

Feels weird to rate this ancient text, if not a translation of it, when I know very little about ancient Chinese history or Taoism.

Really interesting text, many pieces of wisdom that still hold true. Full of contradicting lines that reflect the way of Freedom From Desire.

Some parts of the introduction of this translation were useful, however it is rather old. It may be that all that is said history-wise still holds up today, but I found myself researching the claims the author makes just to be sure.

[Bill Stutzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this is an important work, and I'm glad to have read it. It seems intentionally obscure or contradictory at times, which I'm sure is part of the point. I acknowledge that my own biases push against my appreciation of this book, and I think it is a critical work to engage in the broader discussion, but I also think the contrast with other sacred or wisdom texts is essential in this study and reveals significant shortcomings.

[Dan]

"oh when he said in the year 300BC that a 'lack of action brings the sage to success' but then said in the section after that 'all action must be carried carefully in the end as in the beginning' I felt that was a contradiction. muddled body of thought gotta give this dude who scribbled on bamboo before Christ the saviour was born 2 stars just not doing it for me"

[Helameashell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Lao Tzu, looking at the other reviews this was not the translation that I should of started with.
That said, as someone with zero knowledge of Taoism, I still found my first introduction to this interesting. The introduction by D.C. Lau was also very good.
I may look for another translation when revisiting.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really valued the incite the translator, D.C.Lau, made when explaining the history of Chinese philosophy that has been built upon these passages. Over all super good starter read for philosophy, particularly relating to taoist thought.

[Andrew Jampol-Petzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable and practical translation of the Laozi with a useful introduction and appendices. Lau’s distinctive interpretation of the Tao Te Ching makes this edition useful for students aiming to bring the more obscure and “mystical” elements of the text under control.

[Prion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deep tumblr quotes, ancient china edition. I think it's mainly my own fault I didn't enjoy this, I found it hard to take seriously. Maybe I should try a different translation, or just try harder at thinking.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Daodejing, and there is a lot of interesting additional information in this copy, but this translation is not the most poetic. I prefer other translations I have read before.

[Haowei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most poetic translation. A quick read but a lifelong study.

[Felix Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't say I understand everything, but still a nice experience reading it. On the positive the book provides good footnotes.

[Priyam Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literally me 👍🏽

[Maurice Koot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful lessons for life, put into words

[Zee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggled a bit with it due to the amount of analysis required. Will reread and tackle a different translation.

[char · Rating 3 out of 5]

i feel like a lot of the beauty of the chinese language was lost in translation. i may have to read it in chinese lol. still enjoyed the messages though

[Nicholas Burge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one 👁️👄👁️

[Compass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know about this. Mostly hooey if you ask me. I like how they've preempted criticism in the writings themselves: "If you find this all laughable, it means you're a bad student!" Hmm, indeed.

[Paul Besley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some recognisable sayings, "the journey of a thousand miles' etc, and wonderful wisdom mixed in with a lot of confusion.

[Jonah Lehto]

This is a short and academic read. No rating at the moment, I don't have anything to say on the quality of the book philosophically.

[Publius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic edition. You need multiple translations of this book.

[Dalia Alonso]

tranquilas, no soy un incel, lo he leído para escribir un artículo

[Selin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this, though as a philosophy novice who is unfamiliar with Chinese history, I found it somewhat challenging to understand and really had to take it slow. However, I learned a lot! The translator's introduction and discussion provide an in-depth exploration of the meaning behind this ancient text and its historical context. I highly recommend taking your time with the actual translation of Lao Tzu’s work. Only then you’ll gain many valuable insights along the way!

[Sam Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and often find myself returning to it, rereading the same lines at different points in my life—and each time, they seem to carry new meaning. It was my first introduction to Eastern philosophy and Taoism, and I think it's the perfect entry point for anyone curious about those ideas. Poetic, mysterious, and thought-provoking, it’s a book that challenges you to think differently—while somehow making peace with not having all the answers.