B : this line comes from the MWD’s and GUO; the later sources are very different (and do not agree with each other); regardless of the source, this line and the next can be translated many different ways due to the multiple meanings of 美 (“pleased”, “beautiful”, “good”), and whether or not one assumes that weapons are still being talked about C : Ames and Hall point out that ancient Chinese custom puts the place of honor on the left in happy events, and on the right in sorrowful events; thus in war, the supreme general sits on the right, acknowledging that war is a sorrowful event, just like a funeral Cross-references creatures detest them : #24 he who “possesses Dao” : #15, #23, #24, #65, #77 noble man : #26 have no choice : #29, #30 Chapter Thirty Two 道 常 無 名 • 樸 雖 小 天 下 莫 能 臣 __ • 侯 王 若 能 守 之 萬 物 將 自 賓 • 天 地 相 合 • 以 降 甘 露 • 民 莫 之 令 而 自 均 [焉] 始 制 有 名 名 亦 既 有 (•)夫 亦 將 知 止 知 止 (所) 以 不 殆 譬 道 之 在 天 下 • 猶 川 谷 之 (與) 江 海 • Dao is ever-constantly without-name. Even though the concept of the uncarved block seems insignificant, No one in the world can conquer it. If nobles and kings could maintain it, The ten thousand creatures would naturally obey. Heaven and earth would join with each other, Thus dropping a sweet dew. There are no citizens who would make this happen, Yet it would be naturally fair and impartial. And so, begin to divide and you have names. Once names exist, Men should also be ready to know when to stop. Knowing when to stop is the reason that there is no danger. An analogy for the action of Dao in the world : It is similar to a stream in a valley that becomes part of a large river or ocean. Dao is ever-constantly without-name. Even though the [concept of the] uncarved block seems insignificant, No one in the world2 can conquer it. If noblesA and kings could maintain it, ♦The ten thousand creatures would naturally obey. ♦Heaven and earth would join with each other, Thus dropping a sweet dew.B There are no citizens who would make this happen, [they] Yet [it]C would be naturally fair and impartial. ♦And so, begin to divide D and you have names. [cut&make garments] ♦Once names [also] exist, [now that] Men should also be ready to know when to stop. Knowing when to stop is the reason that2 there is no danger. An analogy for the action of Dao in the world2 : It is similar to a stream in a valley that [becomes] part of a large river or ocean. [it] [together with,take part in]