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PoetSeers The Poet Seers Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching Tao Te Ching Verse 81

Tao Te Ching Verse 81

True words aren't eloquent;
eloquent words aren't true.
Wise men don't need to prove their point;
men who need to prove their point aren't wise.

The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others,
the happier he is.
The more he gives to others,
the wealthier he is.

The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating, the Master leads.




Translated by Stephen Mitchell