Religion
Chapter 33
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.
He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long; he who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 33.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/32/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 33.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/32/.
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