| The Tao gives life to all things, and its Virtue nourishes them, forms each according to its nature and gives to each its inner strengrth. Therefore, the ten thousand things all venerate the Tao and honor its Virtue. It has never bccn decreed that the Tao be venerated and its Virtue be honored; they have always been so treated spontaneously. Thus, the Tao gives life to all things; and its Virtue raises them, nourishes them, brings them to their full growth, feeds, shelters, and protects them. Giving life without claiming authority, benefiting without demanding gratitude, guiding without control. This is called hidden Virtue. |
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