Chapter 26 · Gravity the Root of Lightness

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

Gravity is the root of lightness;

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

Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement. Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far from his baggage waggons. Although he may have brilliant prospects to look at, he quietly remains (in his proper place), indifferent to them. How should the lord of a myriad chariots carry himself lightly before the kingdom? If he do act lightly, he has lost his root (of gravity); if he proceed to active movement, he will lose his throne.

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Chapter 26, in a second rendering

Never Far From the Gear That Matters

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Heavy is the root of light. Still is the boss of restless. So the steady hand can travel all day and never get far from the gear that matters - never gets so dazzled by the view that they wander off and leave it. If you're running something big, why would you treat your own footing as light? Go light and you lose the root. Go restless and you lose the controls.

Next · Chapter 27The skilful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels or footsteps…Read chapter 27 →

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