If I were told I could only keep one book, it would be this one. Unfailingly it puts my feet back on the ground when I need it. ( )

This has been rendered somewhat incomprehensible by the mass distance of our cultures and in the timeline it was written. As such, it deserves either deep study, as one might study the Bible, or appreciation for its poetry and nothing more. ( )

Not being a translator, and not being fluent in Chinese, I have no idea whether this translation is more or less accurate than any other. But having read numerous translations of this work over the years, I can say that it is by far the most readable and enjoyable translations of the dao that I have encountered. The full impact of the poetry comes out. And what I believe would properly be the simplicity of thought inherent in Tao te Ching is also communicated. Especially in poetry, the 'best' translations are not the ones that are most accurate on a word-for-word, phrase-by-phrase measurement. They are the ones that seems to best communicate the heart and soul of what the author is saying. Particularly if you have read other translations and found them less than satisfying, this one will be well worth your time.

John H ( )

beautiful writing for anyone, not just those interested in oriental philosophy ( )

To say that this classic is obtuse is an understatement, but it remains one of the most influential works in forming my personal philosophy. ( )