This art of dissimulationreaches its peakin man. Deception, flattering, lying, deluding, talking behind the back, putting up a false front, living in borrowed splendor, wearing a mask, hiding behind convention, playing a role for others and for oneself – in short, a continuous flutteringaround the solitary flame of vanity – is so much the…
Once upon a time, in some out of the way corner of that universe which is dispersed into numberless twinkling solar systems, there was a star upon which clever beasts invented knowing. That was the most arrogant and mendacious minute of “world history,” but nevertheless, it was only a minute. After nature had drawn…
The first Saturday in a new year. The year is 2026. America as a republic, administered by a distribution of power, democratically – is finished. What comes next, has yet to be formed. A safe wager to be made that for now, the dismantling of the old status quo will proceed with dispatch. A…
The highest men of the ancient days traversed the virtue of benevolence as a path; They borrowed and dwelled in righteousness as a lodging for the night. They ambled in the empty space of Unruffled Repose, found nourishment in the Field Free of Longing and stood in the Garden Free of Possession. Unruffled…
Have you never seen a well pump? When it is pulled up it goes down, and when it is let go it comes up. It is pulled by men but does NOT pull the men. Whether it rises or falls, the well-pump does not go against men. It is the same with rules of…
These verses describe a concert sponsored by the Yellow Emperor. Beimin Cheng, a member of the court is speaking with the Yellow Emperor. Cheng relates that the music effected him. The concert was in two parts. Here the Yellow Emperor describes the second part – the sensations felt by the listener who is enveloped…
1. Does heaven revolve continuously? 2. Does earth continuously abide in rest? 3. And do the sun and moon pursue one another? 4. Who guides and directs these movements? 5. Who holds them together and connects them? 6. Who is it that, without straining and effort, brings them about and maintains them?…
Duke Huan sat in his hall reading a book. The wheelwright Bian was making a wheel in the courtyard below the hall. Putting down his hammer and chisel, Bian went up the steps and said, “I venture to ask your Grace what words are you reading.” “The words of the sages,” replied the duke….
The great tao is not named. The great argument needs no words. Great benevolence is not benevolent. Great modesty is not humble. Great courage is not destructive. The tao that is displayed is not the tao. Argumentative words do not achieve their purpose. Benevolence that is predominant is not comprehensive. Modesty that is demonstrative…
Shicheng Qi came to see Lao-tsu and asked him, “I heard master, that you are a sage, so I came to see you, not minding the long journey. During the hundred days of the journey the soles of my feet became callous, but I did not stop to rest. Now I see that you…
