Chapter 79 · No Partiality in Heaven's Way

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

When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity,

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

When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)? Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party. (So), he who has the attributes (of the Tao) regards (only) the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself. In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.

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In the Way of Heaven there — missed is no partiality of love

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Chapter 79, in a second rendering

The IOU You Don't Collect On

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Patch up a big grudge and there's always some resentment left over - so how is that actually settling it? So the steady hand keeps their half of the IOU and doesn't go around dunning people for what they owe. The person with character holds the note and lets it sit. The person without it is out collecting. The sky's way plays no favorites - it just quietly stays with the people who are doing right.

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