Chapter 62 · The Tao as the World's Treasure

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

Tao has of all things the most honoured place.

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

Tao has of all things the most honoured place. No treasures give good men so rich a grace; Bad men it guards, and doth their ill efface. (Its) admirable words can purchase honour; (its) admirable deeds can raise their performer above others. Even men who are not good are not abandoned by it. Therefore when the sovereign occupies his place as the Son of Heaven, and he has appointed his three ducal ministers, though (a prince) were to send in a round symbol-of-rank large enough to fill both the hands, and that as the precursor of the team of horses (in the court-yard), such an offering would not be equal to (a lesson of) this Tao, which one might present on his knees. Why was it that the ancients prized this Tao so much? Was it not because it could be got by seeking for it, and the guilty could escape (from the stain of their guilt) by it? This is the reason why all under heaven consider it the most valuable thing.

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Chapter 62, in a second rendering

The Cupboard Everything's Kept In

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

The Dao is the cupboard everything's kept in - the good person's treasure, and the not-so-good person's last refuge. Nice words can buy you some respect. Decent deeds can earn you a place. But the ones who fall short - why write them off? When they crown a leader and hand over the fancy gifts, none of it beats just sitting still and offering this. Why did the old-timers prize it so much? Because when you look, you find it, and when you've blown it, it covers you. That's why it's the best thing going.

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