Heaven leads to Dao. Dao leads to what endures. When the self disappears, there can be no danger. Twenty Renounce learning and be without worry. “Yes” together with “yeah” – What is their mutual distance or nearness? Beautiful together with ugliness – What is their mutual distance or similarity? That which people fear, they are not able to not fear. How ridiculous! They are not yet centered! Everyone is very festive, As if enjoying the Tai Lao sacrifice, As if climbing terraces in the spring. I alone am unmoved! – Like one who has not yet given any sign, Like a newborn infant who does not yet act like a baby. Very tired and worn out!, as if without a place to return to. Everyone all has more than they need; I alone seem to have lost everything. I have the heart/mind of a foolish person, indeed!! I am very mixed up and confused! Common people are very clear and bright; I alone seem confused. Common people are very observant and alert; I alone am very gloomy and depressed. Tranquil!, they are like the ocean; I drift on the wind!, as if without a place to rest. Everyone all has a purpose; I alone am stupid and stubborn, and appear mean and shallow. I alone am different compared to other people, And value the food of the mother. Twenty one The greatest De is possible only when Dao is followed. The action of Dao on creatures is just indistinct, just confusing. Confusing! and indistinct!, within it exists image. Indistinct! and confusing!, within it exists things. Obscure! and dark!, within it exists essence. Its essence is extremely real and true. Within it exists truth. From the present reaching to antiquity, Its name has not departed – Thus I observe the father of the multitudes. How do I thus know the father of the multitudes is like this? By means of this. Twenty three Minimal words are naturally so. Therefore : strong winds do not last the entire morning, Sudden rains do not last the entire day. Who makes these things? Heaven and earth. Even heaven and earth can not maintain them forever, And so how much less can people? Therefore : of those who engage in Dao – He who Daos is one with Dao. He who Des is one with De. He who loses is one with the loss. For he who is one with Dao, Dao is also pleased to have him. For he who is one with De, De is also pleased to have him. For he who is one with loss, Loss is also pleased to have him. If you do not trust enough, then you will not have anyone’s trust. Twenty four He who stands on tiptoe does not really stand. He who stands astride can not travel. He who displays himself does not have insight. He who considers himself correct does not distinguish himself.