Chapter 23 · Nature's Brief Storms

Tao Te Ching (Legge, 1891) · chapter title added by Learn the Dao

Learn the Dao: a quiet practice for learning the thing that can’t be known.

The chapter’s first line

Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature.

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This chapter in plain modern English — David Kooi’s rendering ↓

Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man! Therefore when one is making the Tao his business, those who are also pursuing it, agree with him in it, and those who are making the manifestation of its course their object agree with him in that; while even those who are failing in both these things agree with him where they fail. Hence, those with whom he agrees as to the Tao have the happiness of attaining to it; those with whom he agrees as to its manifestation have the happiness of attaining to it; and those with whom he agrees in their failure have also the happiness of attaining (to the Tao). (But) when there is not faith sufficient (on his part), a want of faith (in him) ensues (on the part of the others).

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A violent wind does not last — missed for a whole morning

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Chapter 23, in a second rendering

The Trust Is Part of the Experiment

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Nature doesn't talk much. A gale doesn't blow all morning, a downpour doesn't last all day. If the sky can't keep that up, why would you? Whatever you give yourself to, that's what you become. Stick with the Dao and you're of a piece with it. Stick with the wear-and-tear, and you wear out. Don't fully trust the current and it won't fully carry you. The trust is part of the experiment.

Next · Chapter 24He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm…Read chapter 24 →

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