第四十二章

道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物。万物负阴而抱阳，冲气以为和。人之所恶，唯孤、寡、不谷，而王公以为称。故物或损之而益，或益之而损。人之所教，我亦教之。强梁者不得其死，吾将以为教父。

Chapter 42

The Tao is the only one, which generates Yin and Yang, which in turn generate the third state, and the three together generate all things. All things embrace Yang in the front with Yin at the back, and new harmony follows when Yin and Yang interact. The most loathed words are "the lonesome", "the solitary" "the unkindness", which are used by rulers nevertheless. So things are appreciated when being depreciated, and are depreciated when being appreciated. I teach in this way just as I was taught. A tyrant would perish miserably, and this will be my teaching principle.

第四十三章

天下之至柔，驰骋天下之至坚。无有入无间，吾是以知无为之有益。不言之教，无为之益，天下希及之。

Chapter 43

The softest object can race through the hardest. A shapeless force can penetrate a crackless substance. This helps me understand the benefit of nature following. The teaching of no words, the benefit of following nature, which very few are capable of.

第四十四章

名与身孰亲？身与货孰多？得与亡孰病？甚爱必大费，多藏必厚亡。故知足不辱，知止不殆，可以长久。

Chapter 44

Which is dearer, repute or life? Which is more valuable, life or goods? Which is more harmful, gain or lose? It would be costly if overly vain, it would be subject to loss if overly accumulated. Hence the one who is content will not be shamed, and the one who knows when to stop will not be harmed, and will enjoy his longevity.

第四十五章

大成若缺，其用不弊。大盈若冲，其用不穷。大直若屈，大巧若拙，大辩若讷。静胜躁，寒胜热。清静为天下正。

Chapter 45

A perfection may still be blemished, and that doesn't affect its usefulness. A complete fullness may feel like a void, and that doesn't affect its longevity. A complete straightness may feel like bending, a high intelligence may seem foolish, the most eloquent may sound like a stutter. Calmness wins over impetuosity, coolness wins over heat. It is calmness that will help sound governing.