Chapter 60

Governing a large country

is like frying a small fish.

You spoil it with too much poking.

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchel

Chapter 59

For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation.

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchel

Chapter 58

If a country is governed with tolerance,

the people are comfortable and honest.

If a country is governed with repression,

the people are depressed and crafty.

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchel

Chapter 57

If you want to be a great leader,

you must learn to follow the Tao.

Stop trying to control.

Let go of fixed plans and concepts,

and the world will govern itself.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 56

Those who know don't talk.
Those who talk don't know.
. . .


Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchel

Chapter 55

He who is in harmony with the Tao

is like a newborn child.

Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak,

but its grip is powerful.

It doesn't know about the union

of male and female,

yet its penis can stand erect,

so intense is its vital power.

It can scream its head off all day,

yet it never becomes hoarse,

so complete is its harmony.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 54

Whoever is planted in the Tao
will not be rooted up.
Whoever embraces the Tao
will not slip away.
Her name will be held in honor
from generation to generation.
. . .


Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 53

The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao.
. . .



Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 52

In the beginning was the Tao.

All things issue from it;

all things return to it.

To find the origin,

trace back the manifestations.

When you recognize the children

and find the mother,

you will be free of sorrow.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 51

Every being in the universe

is an expression of the Tao.

It springs into existence,

unconscious, perfect, free,

takes on a physical body,

lets circumstances complete it.

That is why every being

spontaneously honors the Tao.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell