World Lit Reader

Tao Te Ching · Laozi · Translated by James Legge

Chapter 29

29. 1. If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.

2.

The course and nature of things is such that What was in front is now behind; What warmed anon we freezing find. Strength is of weakness oft the spoil; The store in ruins mocks our toil.

Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.

Laozi · Translated by James Legge. Digital source: Project Gutenberg, ebook 216. This reading text follows the edition used in our interactive reader.