Line by Line - Verse 32, Line 2

Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with (one embodying) it as a minister.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Its simplicity, although imperceptible
Cannot be treated by the world as subservient
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

so small you can never take hold of it.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Derek Lin takes this line in a slightly different direction than the other three. His translation is not that much unlike Jonathan Star's: "Simple indeed, yet so subtle that no one can master it."

For me, what I think each is trying to explain is that the basic underlying thread to all existence is all around us, but we can't pin it down nor take hold of it. We can't even adequately describe it. And yet, it is there -- at the end of our proverbial noses -- in every sentient moment.

Life would not exist without it -- we simply have no clue what this it is.

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