Notes A : while this symbol does literally mean “nobles”, it also specifically refers to a “Marquis”; the Western equivalents for the five grades of Chinese nobility (below the royal family) were Duke, Marquis, Count (or Earl), Viscount, and Baron, in descending order B : Waley comments that this phrase is used to indicate that the kingdom is at peace C : “they” could be used here, referring to the citizens instead of this process D : see #28, where the uncarved block is divided Cross-references always/ever-constantly without X : #1, #34, #37 without-name : #1, #37, #41 nobles (in general) : #37, #39, #42, #62, #80 if nobles and kings could maintain it : #37 uncarved block : #15, #19, #28, #37, #57 ten thousand creatures would naturally… : #37 knowing when to stop : #44 no danger : #16, #25, #44, #52 valley : #6, #15, #28, #39, #41, #66 Chapter Thirty Three 知 人 者 智 • 自 知 者 明 • 勝 人 者 有 力 • 自 勝 者 強 • 知 足 者 富 • 強 行 者 有 志 • 不 失 其 所 者 久 • 死 而 不 亡 者 壽 • He who knows people is wise; He who knows himself has insight. He who is victorious over people possesses power; He who is victorious over himself is strong. He who knows he has enough is wealthy; He who uses force possesses ambition. He who does not lose his place endures; He who dies yet does not perish has longevity. He who knows people is wise*; ♦He who knows himself has insight. [wise,sight] ♦He who is victorious over people possesses power; ♦He who is victorious over himself is strong. ♦He who knows he has enough is wealthy; ♦He who uses force2 possesses ambition. ♦He who does not lose his placeA endures; [for a long time] He who dies yet does not perish has longevity.B Notes A : possibly meaning one’s center, source or root (but then why not use one of the many symbols used elsewhere for these words?), this may be referring to one’s station or position in life (ancient Chinese society was highly stratified); but on the other hand, that sounds very Confucian – so you decide! B : this line has generated much speculation over the millennia; perhaps it refers to being remembered after you die, or the death of the “self”? Cross-references strong : #3, #29, #30, #36, #52, #55, #67, #78 knowing one has enough : #44, #46 die/death : #6, #42, #50, #67, #74, #75, #76, #80 anti-Confucian : #3, #18, #19, #27, #38 Chapter Thirty Four 大 道 氾 兮 其 可 左 右 • 萬 物 恃 之 (以) 生 而 不 辭 • 功 成 遂 [而] 不 名 有 • 衣 養 萬 物 而 不 為 主 [(•)故] 常 無 欲 • 可 名 於 小 • 萬 物 歸 焉 而 不 為 主 可 名 (於) 大 •