Religion
Chapter 72
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
When the people do not fear what they ought to fear, that which is their great dread will come on them.
Let them not thoughtlessly indulge themselves in their ordinary life; let them not act as if weary of what that life depends on.
It is by avoiding such indulgence that such weariness does not arise.
Therefore the sage knows (these things) of himself, but does not parade (his knowledge); loves, but does not (appear to set a) value on, himself. And thus he puts the latter alternative away and makes choice of the former.
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 72.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/71/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 72.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/71/.
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