Thus it is that to leave the subject of living altogether out of view is better than to set a high value on it.In my mind's eye, the sages were/are those who see the ghosts for what they are and ignore them! They don't try to gauge their lives by contrived standards. They don't try to obtain more than they need. Most importantly, they don't spend their time trying to control others.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Having little to live on, one knows better than to value life too much.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Therefore those who do not strive for living
Are better than those who value living
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
People who know how to enjoy life
are wiser than people who value their lives.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
Sages do what needs to be done and no more. They aren't worried about receiving plaudits or awards. They use what they need and share any excess with others. They nurture the people around them and they are revered because of their selfless nature.
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