Verse 80 – Standing Alone: Why Simplicity Without Connection Misses the Way

A small state with few people.

If 1,000 people were to have tools, and yet make no use of them; If the people feared death and moved away; There would be chariots, and nowhere to ride them; There would be soldiers, and no place to form ranks.

These translations are offered freely, and you are encouraged to share them.
Please make the appropriate attributions and refer to this page if you do.

Members and Patrons of the Word have access to the full commentaries.

Become a Member

Become a Patron of the Word ($5/month)

If you already are either, be sure to Log In

Dao De Jing | Daoism | Weaving the Way

69: Profound Use

ByDan Rotnem May 11, 2025May 11, 2025

Concerning the use of force, it is said:
“I do not act as the host,
but as the guest.
I do not advance an inch,
but retreat a foot.”

Dao De Jing | Daoism | Weaving the Way

Verse 10: Can it be?

ByDan Rotnem March 18, 2024May 8, 2024

Sustain the unity of Yang and Yin,
Can it be separated?

Caress and soften the breath,
Can it be pure and united?

Dao De Jing | Daoism | Weaving the Way

Bridges Across Time

ByDan Rotnem January 1, 2024May 8, 2024

A few folks have wondered how I go about translating the Dao De Jing into Weaving the Virtuous Way. What sources do I use? What does the translation process look like? Are you really translating Lao Zi or are you offering your interpretation?

Dao De Jing | Daoism | Weaving the Way

Verse 28: Return to Simplicity

ByDan Rotnem July 29, 2024August 12, 2024

Know one’s creativity,
preserve one’s receptivity,
become Creation’s channel.
Serving as Creation’s channel,
Enduring Integrity is non-separation,
a return to unity.