Editorial Note : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 8 EDITORIAL NOTE THE object of the Editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West...
Tao As A Moral Principle, Or 'virtue : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 24 TAO AS A MORAL PRINCIPLE, OR "VIRTUE" THE highest goodness is like water, for water is excellent in benefiting all things, and it does not strive. It occupies the lowest place, which men abhor. And therefore it is near akin to Tao...
Untitled : * This is Lionel Giles' translation of the Tao te Ching, from the Wisdom of the East series. Giles (1875-1958) was Keeper of the Department of Oriental Books and Manuscripts at the British Museum. He also translated Sun Tzu's Art of War. This translation is long out of print, which is a shame...
Lowliness And Humility : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 33 LOWLINESS AND HUMILITY ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim. When merit has been achieved, do not take it to yourself; for if you do not take it...
Lao Tzu On Himself : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 54 LAO TZ ON HIMSELF ALAS! the barrenness of the age has not yet reached its limit. All men are radiant with happiness, as if enjoying a great feast, as if mounted on a tower in spring. I alone am still, and give as yet no sign of joy...
The Doctrine Of Inaction : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 30 THE DOCTRINE OF INACTION THE Sage occupies himself with inaction, and conveys instruction without words. Is it not by neglecting self-interest that one will be able to achieve it? Purge yourself of your profound intelligence...
Title Page : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 3 The Wisdom of the East Series EDITED BY L. CRANMER-BYNG Dr. S. A. KAPADIA THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZ p. 4 p. 5 WISDOM OF THE EAST THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZ TRANSLATED FROM THE CHINESE, WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY LIONEL GILES, M.A. (OXON.)...
Paradoxes : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 43 PARADOXES AMONG mankind, the recognition of beauty as such implies the idea of ugliness, and the recognition of good implies the idea of evil. There is the same mutual relation between existence and non-existence in the matter...
Miscellaneous Sayings And Precepts : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 47 MISCELLANEOUS SAYINGS AND PRECEPTS BY many words wit is exhausted; it is better to preserve a mean. The excellence of a dwelling is its site; the excellence of a mind is its profundity; the excellence of giving is charitableness;...
War : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 41 WAR HE who serves a ruler of men in harmony with Tao will not subdue the Empire by force of arms. Such a course is wont to bring retribution in its train. Where troops have been quartered, brambles and thorns spring up...
Tao In Its Transcendental Aspect : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 19 TAO IN ITS TRANSCENDENTAL ASPECT, AND IN ITS PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION THE Tao which can be expressed in words is not the eternal Tao; the name which can be uttered is not its eternal name. Without a name, it is the Beginning...
Introduction : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 9 INTRODUCTION WITH rare modesty and intelligent self-appreciation, Confucius described himself as "a transmitter, not a maker, one who loved and believed in the ancients." This judicious estimate fairly sums up the positi...
Government : * "The Sayings of Lao-Tzu", Lionel Giles translation [1905], p. 37 GOVERNMENT NOT exalting worth keeps the people from rivalry. Not prizing what is hard to procure keeps the people from theft. Not to show them what they may covet is the way to keep their minds from disorder. Therefore the Sage...