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Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 45

Great accomplishment seems imperfect,
Yet it does not outlive its usefulness.
Great fullness seems empty,
Yet it cannot be exhausted.

Great straightness seems twisted.
Great intelligence seems stupid.
Great eloquence seems awkward.

Movement overcomes cold.
Stillness overcomes heat.
Stillness and tranquility set things in order in the universe.


(translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English)

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Tao Te Ching home page    |    chapter 44    |    chapter 46

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