Lao Tsu: Tao Te Ching

by Gia-fu Geng; Jane English

Genres: Classics, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy

Paperback

Published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know every cliched vaguely wise statement you’ve ever heard? It probably originated here. I heard someone say that this book is interpreted differently every time you read it, and I could certainly see why. It’s specific while also being broad enough to be applied to any aspect of your life. Interesting stuff, and I’m looking forward to another read in a year or so. Here’s what I got from it this time: Action has consequence. Benefit comes from what is there, and usefulness comes from what is not there. Recognize and appreciate the connection between all things to find joy within and beyond the self. Do not seek fulfillment, do not be swayed by the desire for change. Strip away ego and aspiration to see what’s really all around - look through the motivations and wants and see what is. You find what you seek, you get what you give. You can’t set out to change the universe. Avoid extremes, excesses, and complacency. Never take advantage of power, achieve results but never boast or brag - you are doing what is natural. Weapons are instruments of fear, they should not be used unless there is no choice. There are binary aspects to all things, recognize them and achieve balance, which is all there ever was. Without form, there is no desire. Dao is not goodness. Virtue is goodness. Kindness is goodness. One gains by losing and loses by gaining. When you’re present and aware of the moment, you can’t be harmed because you’re not focused on death/loss or birth/creation/need. Keeping to the main road is easy, but people love to be sidetracked. Keep your mouth closed and guard your senses. Those who talk, do not know. Those who know do not talk. The more laws, the poorer people become; the more rules, the more thieves; have no desires and people return to good and simple lives. Be sharp but not cutting. If there is a good supply of virtue, nothing is impossible. You find what you seek and are forgiven when you sin. Great acts are made by small deeds. Set things in order before there’s confusion, a journey starts with a single step. People fail on the verge of success, give it your all until you succeed and you will succeed. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand. Rulers demand too much of life, so the people take death lightly. A man is born gentle and weak, at his death he is withered and hard. Stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life. An unbending tree will fall, soft and weak will overcome. The truth often sounds paradoxical. A man without virtue requires others to fulfill his duties. “Modern man has incorrectly assumed science is a way to impose order on the world.”

[Richard Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on Earth

[Juliana Ducuara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand or as I should say don’t understand fully the message from this book. I felt the introduction was a little bit dragged on and the poems themselves as someone who speaks Spanish and English just didn’t do the real thing justice. I wish I could read it and its original language but sadly I cannot. Luckily I did find some beautiful translations that I felt were full.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As great as this original version is, check out the 2011 revised edition. Besides having a bunch of new photos (still black and white) the translation has been "refreshed and revised" - not in a lot of places but in ways that make a huge difference.

Chapter 39 (old original translation);

Therefore the humble is the root of the noble.
The low is the foundation of the high.
Princes and lords consider themselves
"orphaned," "widowed," and "worthless."
Do they not depend on being humble?

Chapter 39 (refreshed translation);

Therefore the humble is the root of the noble.
The low is the foundation of the high.
The wise consider themselves "orphaned," "widowed," and "worthless."
Their humility is the source of their strength.

[Poppet the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautifully done translations into English, with the Mandarin Chinese calligraphy included on adjacent pages, along with artful black an white photographic illustrations. Wisdom can be gleaned in every verse. An insightful book that one can read, ponder, and return to again and again.

[Coralie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found the translations very westernized (they used terms like "sin" and "robber barons"). Really needed more in depth commentary, as it was the commentary was all the way at the back, and only covered about a quarter of the chapters.

The commentary also often quote the Bible? and other sources entirely out of touch with the ancient Chinese society that birthed this work?

[LeMing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will be returning to the Chinese text, this translation, and several other translations over time. I read this in a few sittings, but I feel I will better absorb the dao by rereading a passage at a time and taking time to reflect, & live the lessons again and again.

[Lauren Tennet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the introduction and commentary of this translation. The only reason I give four stars is because I wish there was more of it!

[K.R. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The finest opening chapter of any translation I’ve read, and one of my favourites overall.

[CatherineAda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this edition for a college philosophy and religion class in the early 1990s. Since then, I've pulled it off my shelf from time to time to review it's simple wisdom. Excellent edition.

[Tom Derderdien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, one of my favorite all time books! Great art, simplistic message--forgot all about it until I saw it come up as a recomended title. Sure to rearead!

[nomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

based tbh

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read several people stating that this translation was among the top 5, so I got me a secondhand copy. It has the Chinese text in ink on one side and the English translation on the other, along with 1 or 2 black and white nature photos that compliment the theme of the passage. It's a really nice size and appropriate spacing to lay out in front of you to think of the message awhile before turning the page to the next one. I've only recently started studying the Tao so I can't speak for accuracy, but it did feel clearer than that other one I read, and another that I had listened to in audio...it's a bit hard to explain it, but it felt both clearer and more airy at the same time. I absolutely love this one and I'm going to keep it by my bed. This continues to be one of my very favorite books, and this version is my favorite for now.

[塔可叔叔 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to choose one book to keep with me for the rest of my life, it’s this one. Each verse is a whole universe. The translation I read was poetic and felt alive. Taoism speaks to something deep in me — like a river under the noise of modern life. This book didn’t just change my thinking, it changed my pace.