Tao Te Ching Chapter 29

Translation by John H. McDonald

Do you want to rule the world and control it?

I don’t think it can ever be done.

The world is a sacred vessel

and it can not be controlled.

You will only make it worse if you try.

It may slip through your fingers and disappear.

Some are meant to lead,

and others are meant to follow;

Some must always strain,

and others have an easy time;

Some are naturally big and strong,

and others will always be small;

Some will be protected and nurtured,

and others will meet with destruction.

The Master accepts things as they are,

and out of compassion avoids extravagance,

excess and the extremes.

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Reference: Tao Te Ching