Line by Line - Verse 49, Line 10

The people all keep their eyes and ears directed to him,
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Others look to him and listen.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The people all pay attention with their ears and eyes
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

People pay attention to him
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Sagacious people don't play favorites. They size up any given situation and go with what they feel is the best option. It is because of this that many people flock to them. When we are in the company of a sage, we KNOW that we will get a fair shake.

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