| When the highest of men hear of dao and truth they put it into practice quite diligently. When the common types hear of dao, they seem to be in two minds about it, half believing, aware and unaware of some. When the lowest types hear of dao, they ridicule or laugh loudly - but if they did not laugh, it would be no dao. The proverb has it: The way out into the light often looks dark; one who understands dao seems dull, as dao which is bright appears to be dark. The dao which goes forward appears to fall backward; the one who is advanced (in dao) seems to slip backwards; the way that goes ahead often looks as if it went back. He who works and moves on the even dao [co-path] seems to go up and down; the least hilly way often looks as if it went thus, as level dao appears uneven. Great virtue seems hollow and empty. The truly loftiest might looks like an abyss; superior virtue appears like a valley (hollow). Great capability is [granted to be] hollow. Yes, the loftiest is something abysmal. Sheerest white seems blurred, sheer white is like tarnished; (most) purity seems like disgrace. The most sufficing might looks inadequate; far-reaching virtue hardly seems to be enough; and great [and rustic] character appears to be not enough [but it's all the same]. The [organising] might that stands most firm seems flimsy. Solid character looks infirm; and solid virtue unsteady. Whats in its natural, pure state looks faded: True substance looks changeable, and pure worth seems dirtied. The largest square has no corners: great space has no corners. The greatest capacities develop latest, and great talent could be slow to mature; as they say: The greatest vessel takes the longest to finish. The great tool and talent is slow to finish (or mature). Great tools do slow work. Great inside talent takes long to ripen. Great music is far from course; [at times] rare, it could be hard to get, or hardly heard. Great, hidden form has neither shape nor contour; as great here means of dao, [which is thought up as] hidden and without (overtly sounded) name. Now, dao backs all things financially; dao alone skilfully provides for all - it supports all things and advances [some] to perfection. Well dao-lent power could bring us (some degree of) fulfilment. Skilled, able dao-lending (of some majesty and power) could bring [Christian] fulfilment. |
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