Tao Te Ching, 25th-Anniversary Edition (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition)

“Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”

Well I learned two things upon completing this translation. One being that the Stephen Mitchell translation I had praised earlier takes a lot of liberties with the work. So much so that Taoists who have read it loathe it, and I think I can understand why given he made it more palatable to the modern reader, and certain elements are bound to be lost with such a decision. Which, of course, is always controversial with translation, especially of texts that are considered foundational. Also because after reading this translation, it seems to me there was no need to do that as its message resonates with the modern reader regardless. Which is also a good show more lesson for me, regarding my initial praise of Mitchell's translation, as it reminds me just how little one may know and how clueless one may be when one doesn't know. I still think the Mitchell translation gives some of Tao Te Ching’s essence, but shouldn't be the only English translation of the text one should read. I preferred this one with its commentary, which gives more insight to the modern reader, although separate from the work itself.

The second thing I learned is how this book's teachings, especially that of non-action, like lots of other teachings, have been appropriated and misused by the business world—there’s not a nook capitalism won't slip through and drain what it finds there for all it can get—and the military for uses that run contrary to the book’s message. show less

Classic, beautifully translated (and beautiful accompanying photographs). This is comforting in its timelessness, and shakes me out of being stuck in my head. A text I return to over and over.

Going to take a bit more reading to make sense of it all, but there are some great sections. Amongst others, I like "Prudence", "Immateriality", "Know your weakness", "Not knowing" and "Stay Flexible".

Mmmm, it seems it might be nice to read a different translation - the one by Stephen Mitchell feels more eloquent and natural.

One of the classics. This translation by Jane English is one of my favorites. Plus, the pictures are wonderful. Great memories of winter camping are conjured up, for some reason.

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

Not for me.

I like this translation.