51. The Mystery of Virtue
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
道生之，德畜之，物形之，势成之。
English translation
The Way gives them life; virtue nurtures them; material being gives them form; circumstances bring them to maturity.
Nothing develops through a single cause. Its arising, inner nourishment, physical form, and surrounding conditions all take part in what it becomes.
Original Chinese text
是以万物莫不尊道而贵德。
English translation
Therefore, among the myriad things, none fails to honor the Way and value virtue.
This need not imply conscious reverence. All things honor the Way and virtue simply by depending on their generative and nurturing power.
Original Chinese text
道之尊，德之贵，夫莫之命常自然。
English translation
The Way is honored and virtue is valued, yet no one commands this; it is always so of itself.
Their standing does not depend on an imposed authority. As things grow in their own manner, their reliance on the source and power of nurture becomes evident.
Original Chinese text
故道生之，德畜之；长之育之；亭之毒之；养之覆之。
English translation
Thus the Way gives them life and virtue nurtures them; they are grown and raised, settled and brought to maturity, nourished and sheltered.
The sequence follows life from arising to full development. Here the old word du refers to ripening or completion, not to poisoning.
Original Chinese text
生而不有，为而不恃，长而不宰，是谓玄德。
English translation
To give life without possessing, to act without relying on one's achievement, to foster growth without ruling—this is called profound virtue.
Genuine care provides what growth needs without claiming ownership, demanding credit, or taking control. Its depth lies in enabling others to become themselves.