Chapter 59 · Moderation and Long Endurance

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

For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly,

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

For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation. It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man's normal state). That early return is what I call the repeated accumulation of the attributes (of the Tao). With that repeated accumulation of those attributes, there comes the subjugation (of every obstacle to such return). Of this subjugation we know not what shall be the limit; and when one knows not what the limit shall be, he may be the ruler of a state. He who possesses the mother of the state may continue long. His case is like that (of the plant) of which we say that its roots are deep and its flower stalks firm:--this is the way to secure that its enduring life shall long be seen.

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Chapter 59, in a second rendering

Getting Back on Track Early

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

For handling people and working with how things are, nothing beats restraint. Restraint means getting back on track early. Getting back early means stacking up character. Stack up enough and there's nothing you can't get through. When there's no limit to that, you're fit to look after things - and looking after things from that root, you last. Deep roots, solid base. That's the way to a long life and a long view.

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