Line by Line - Verse 64, Lines 21-22

Thus he helps the natural development of all things, and does not dare to act (with an ulterior purpose of his own).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

He helps the ten thousand things find their own nature,
But refrains from action.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

To assist the nature of all things
Without daring to meddle
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They help the world get right with Tao,
but don't try to change a thing.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

In this instance, I like the way Legge frames the core issue by the term "ulterior motives." For me, that's the crux of this verse. This is what Derek Lin refers to as "without daring to meddle."

And let's be honest. Helping to guide others without meddling is not an easy task for beings who are ego-based. Our desire to be hailed or rewarded often causes us to meddle almost by default.

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