Line by Line - Verse 10, Line 17

This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

This is the Primal Virtue.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

This is called the Mystic Virtue
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

That's the way you do it.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Wang Pi, quoted in Lao-tzu's Taoteching: with Selected Commentaries of the Past 2000 Years, has this to say about this line, in particular, and the latter portions of this verse, in general.

If we don't obstruct their source, things come into existence on their own. If we don't suppress their nature, things mature by themselves. Virtue is present, but its owner is unknown. It comes from the mysterious depths. Hence we call it dark.

Derek Lin makes a similar point.

Sages emulate the Mystic Virtue in their interactions with other people. They nurture, encourage, teach, and mentor those around them without the need to possess, gloat, or dominate.

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