Chapter 43
"The softest of stuff in the world
Penetrates quickly the hardest;
Insubstantial, it enters
Where no room is.
By this I know the benefit
Of something done by quiet being;
In all the world but few can know
Accomplishment apart from work,
Instruction when no words are used."
- Translated by Raymond B. Blakney, 1955, Chapter 43
"The most flexible wins out over the stiffest.
The shapeless can be omnipresent.
I know it is beneficial not use brute force.
The best in the world teach without preaching, and act without using force."
- Translated by Thomas Z. Zhang, Chapter 43
"The softest overcomes the hardest, by yielding.
Emptiness can enter where there is no space.
The value of non-action is in acting naturally.
Therefore the master teaches of what is beyond words.
And his acts carry no expectations."
- Translated by David Bullen, Chapter 43
"The softest thing in the world can overcome the hardest.
The shapeless can penetrate the seamless.
Thus I know the value of not acting.
Few understand the wordless teaching of non-action."
- Translated by Ned Ludd, Chapter 43
"The soft overcomes the hard;
The formless penetrates the impenetrable;
Therefore I value taking no action.
Teaching without words,
Work without action,
Are understood by no one."
- Translated by Peter Merel, Chapter 43
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