53. The Level Way
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
使我介然有知，行于大道，唯施是畏。
English translation
If I had even a little understanding, I would walk on the great Way and fear only straying from it.
The main danger is not that the Way is obscure, but that desire draws people off course. Understanding begins with watchfulness against such deviation.
Original Chinese text
大道甚夷，而民好径。
English translation
The great Way is very level, yet people prefer side paths.
A sound course is often plain and direct, but shortcuts tempt people with speed or advantage and lead them away from what lasts.
Original Chinese text
朝甚除，田甚芜，仓甚虚；服文彩，带利剑，厌饮食，财货有余；是谓盗夸。
English translation
The court is lavishly adorned, while the fields are badly overgrown and the granaries nearly empty. Some wear splendid clothes, carry sharp swords, indulge in food and drink, and possess wealth to spare. This is called the boasting of robbers.
The passage sets elite luxury against neglected livelihoods. When excess rests on deprivation, outward splendor becomes a display of plunder.
Original Chinese text
非道也哉！
English translation
This is surely not the Way!
The exclamation delivers the verdict on the excess described above: luxury built on neglect and taking from others runs directly against the Way.