Line by Line - Verse 65, Lines 10-11

Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call the mysterious excellence (of a governor). Deep and far-reaching is such mysterious excellence,
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Understanding these is Primal Virtue.
Primal Virtue is deep and far.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Always knowing these standards
Is called Mystic Virtue
Mystic Virtue: Profound! Far-reaching!
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

If you get that, you'll understand
the mysterious power of Tao.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

According to Derek Lin,

Both of these approaches -- shrewd cunning versus straightforward plainness -- are "standards," and it is important to know both. The ancient masters made it a point to understand Machiavellian methods thoroughly, while embracing upright, honest simplicity in actual practice.

I think it's obvious WHY we need to be able to recognize both approaches. If we don't understand the art of crass manipulation, we are more likely to be easily manipulated!

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