Chapter 43

T1he softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose).

2There are few in the world who attain to the teaching without words, and the advantage arising from non-action. 44. 1. Or fame or life, Which do you hold more dear? Or life or wealth, To which would you adhere? Keep life and lose those other things; Keep them and lose your life:--which brings Sorrow and pain more near? 2. Thus we may see, Who cleaves to fame Rejects what is more great; Who loves large stores Gives up the richer state. 3. Who is content Needs fear no shame. Who knows to stop Incurs no blame. From danger free Long live shall he. 45. 1. Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide. Do thou what's straight still crooked deem; Thy greatest art still stupid seem, And eloquence a stammering scream. 2. Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven.