Chapter 53 · Robbers and Boasters

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

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The chapter’s first line

If I were suddenly to become known,

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

If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display. The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways. Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!

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Chapter 53, in a second rendering

Robbery Dressed Up Nice

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

If I had even a little sense, I'd walk the wide easy road and my only worry would be wandering off it. The wide road is smooth. People still love a shortcut. Meanwhile the palace is spotless, the fields are full of weeds, and the granaries are empty. But there they are in sharp clothes with sharp swords, stuffed with food and money they can't spend. That's not the Dao running things. That's just robbery dressed up nice.

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