Tao of Today

Tao Te Ching

65.
Trans. Jim Clatfelter
Those of old who found the way
Could see their inner core
They saw that it was hidden
And didn't bring it to the fore

When people think they know the truth
They want all others to concur
But they are happy and content
When they remain unsure

Don't try to lead with cleverness
Prefer instead simplicity
It's obvious that truth must lie
In nothingness and clarity

65
Trans. Raymond B. Blakney
Those ancients who were skilled in the Way
Did not enlighten people by their rule
But had them ever held in ignorance:
The more the folk know what is going on
The harder it becomes to govern them.

For public knowledge of the government
Is such a thief that it will spoil the realm;
But when good fortune brings good times to all
The land is ruled without publicity.
To know the difference between these two
Involves a standard to be sought and found.

To know that standard always, everywhere,
Is mystic Virtue, justly known as such;
Which Virtue is so deep and reaching far,
It causes a return, things go back
To that prime concord which at first all shared.