Cary Chan

第三十九章昔之得一者，天得一以清，地得一以宁，神得一以灵，谷得一以盈，万物得一以生，侯王得一以为天下正。其致之，天无以清将恐裂，地无以宁将恐废，神无以灵将恐歇，谷无以盈将恐竭，万物无以生将恐灭，侯王无以贵高将恐蹶。故贵以贱为本，高以下为基。是以侯王自称孤、寡、不谷。此非以贱为本邪？非乎？故致数舆无舆，不欲琭琭如玉，珞珞如石。Chapter 39In harmony with the Tao,the sky is clear and spacious,the earth is solid and full,all creature flourish together,content with the way they are,endlessly repeating themselves,endlessly renewed.When man interferes with the Tao,the sky becomes filthy,the earth becomes depleted,the equilibrium crumbles,creatures become extinct.The Master views the parts with compassion,because he understands the whole.His constant practice is humility.He doesn't glitter like a jewelbut lets himself be shaped by the Tao, as rugged and common as stone.