Monday, June 25, 2012

Line by Line - Verse 73, Line 9

Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

It seems to have no aim and yet its purpose is fulfilled.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Is unhurried and yet excels in planning
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

It can't be rushed; it's always on time.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
We will never be able to pin down what being/non-being entails. The knowledge of such things is too expansive for the human brain even to begin to comprehend. When we delude ourselves into believing that someone can slip us the secret decoder ring that will unravel the grand riddle, we deceive ourselves with supreme hubris.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

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