Governing by Individual Equality
| Original | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 道 常 無 名 | the Way, continues, without title |
| 樸 雖 小 | those of original-simplicity are so few |
| 天 下 莫 能 臣 __ | everywhere-under-heaven there is not a qualified magistrate |
| 侯 王 若 能 守 之 | the aristocracy rule as though able to enforce |
| 萬 物 將 自 賓 | the 10k things required to submit themselves |
| 天 地 相 合 | heaven-and-earth are fit for each other |
| 以 降 甘 露 | with sweet dew descending |
| 民 莫 之 令 | there is no governing of the people |
| 而 自 均 | but by individual equality |
| 焉 始 制 有 名 | after starting to grant titles |
| 名 亦 既 有 | and adding other honors |
| 夫 亦 將 知 止 | who will know when to stop? |
| 知 止 所 以 不 殆 | knowing where to stop without creating problems |
| 譬 道 之 在 天 下 | consider the Way's presence everywhere-under-heaven |
| 猶 川 谷 之 與 江 海 | flowing like a valley's river to the sea |
My Comments:
this one is beatifully poetic
I wish it were also profound.
I mean, sure, its an interesting observation. Heaven doesn't need to "lord over" the earth, their relationship is beatiful without one granting special honors and titles to the other. Wouldn't life be great if people were like that.
I do think its interesting how "American" it is. the idea of governing by individual equality. that no man should be granted a title by the state.