ChineseStudy

42. The Way Gives Birth

Contents

Text

English translation

The Way gives rise to unity; unity gives rise to two; two give rise to three; and three give rise to the ten thousand things.

“One, two, and three” sketch a movement from unity to distinction, then from interaction to diversity. The emphasis is on the process of arising, not on literal numbers.

All things carry yin on their backs and embrace yang in their arms; through the blending of their vital forces, they achieve harmony.

Each thing contains forces that differ yet depend on one another. Harmony does not erase difference; it lets opposing sides find balance through interaction.

What people dislike most are titles such as “orphaned,” “lacking,” and “unworthy,” yet kings and lords use these names for themselves.

Those in high positions adopt humble titles to temper their rank. The example also shows how high and low, gain and loss, depend on each other.

Thus some things gain through loss, while others suffer loss through gain.

Loss and gain do not remain fixed. An immediate reduction may bring lasting benefit, while excessive increase may turn into a burden.

What others have taught, I too teach.

Laozi takes up a lesson already shared by others rather than seeking novelty for its own sake. The next line states the teaching he especially means to preserve.

Those who are violent and domineering do not meet a natural end. I will take this as the foundation of my teaching.

Overpowering others may look like strength, but it stores up conflict and invites consequences. Rejecting coercive force is the practical lesson of the chapter’s account of gain turning into loss.

Feedback