Line by Line - Verse 59, Line 9

His case is like that (of the plant) of which we say that its roots are deep and its flower stalks firm:
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

This is called having deep roots and a firm foundation,
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

This is called deep roots and firm foundation
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Plant deep roots in firm soil.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Plants that have deep roots often can withstand the brutal fury of weather. No matter how high the winds, they stand strong. No matter the inundation of floodwater, they aren't swept away. No matter how deep the snow, they flower come spring. Even when the ground shakes violently or fire falls from the sky, the plants with deep roots are able to survive.

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