Line by Line - Verse 57, Line 18

I will manifest no ambition, and the people will of themselves attain to the primitive simplicity.'
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

I have no desires and people return to the good and simple life.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

I have no desires, and the people simplify themselves
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

I want for nothing,
and they lead simple lives."
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Time and time again, throughout the classic writings of the Taoist sages, the biggest stumbling block to enlightenment is identified as desire. It is desire that causes each of us to move against the flow of life. It is desire that leads to violence and conflict. It is desire that generates stress, both internally and externally.

We are prisoners to our desires and it is these desires that makes our lives a struggle. Cast them away and life becomes heaven or nirvana on earth.

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