Dao De Jing, #77: The Way of Heaven

The Dao De Jing is not only one of the world's great classics, it is one of the foundations of Philosophical Daoism. A free online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Today we have #77: The Way of Heaven.

The Way of Heaven

Is like stretching a bow.

The top is pulled down,

The bottom is pulled up.

Excess string is removed

Where more is needed, it is added.

It is the Way of Heaven

To remove where there is excess

And add where there is lack.

The way of people is different:

They take away where there is need

And add where there is surplus.

Who can take his surplus and give it to the people?

Only one who possesses the Way.

Therefore the sage acts without expectation.

Does not abide in his accomplishments.

Does not want to show his virtue.