| 41.1.1 |
(When) the superior nobles heard of Tao,
(they) can go (by) it
assiduously. |
| 41.1.2 |
(When) the average nobles heard of
Tao,
(they) seem to have got (it and) seem to have forgotten
(it). |
| 41.1.3 |
(When) the inferior nobles heard of
Tao,
(they just) laugh at it. |
|
(If) not laughing, (then) that can not be
Tao. |
| 41.2 |
This is why it is stated: |
| 41.2.1 |
Clear way seems (to be)
obscure.
Flat way seems (to be) rough.
Progressive way seems
(to be) regressive. |
| 41.2.2 |
Supreme virtue [i.e. gaining of
Tao] seems (just like a little) stream,
(just as) greatly white
seems (to be) stained. |
|
Extensive virtuous acts seem (still)
insufficient. |
|
Established virtuous acts seem
perfunctory,
(just as) genuine quality seems
fake. |
| 41.2.3 |
The greatest square (has) no corners.
Great
capability is achieved late (in life). |
|
The voice of the Great rarely sounds.
The
phenomenon of the Great (is) formless. |
| 41.3 |
Tao (is) hidden (and) nameless,
(yet) only
Tao (is) good at bringing up (things) and (their)
success. |
