WORDS & IDEAS
De 德
Virtue / potency. The quality through which the Way becomes present in a life. “Virtue” here involves a way of being, beyond a list of moral rules.
Following the way
孔德之容，惟道是从。
21. The grandest forms of active force From Tao come, their only source. Who can of Tao the nature tell? Our sight it flies, our touch as well. Eluding…
Read chapterThe highest virtue
上德不德，是以有德。
(Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure).…
Read chapterNourishing without possessing
道生之，德畜之，物形之，势成之。
All things are produced by the Tao, and nourished by its outflowing operation. They receive their forms according to the nature of each, and are completed…
Read chapterCultivating virtue
善建者不拔，善抱者不脱，子孙以祭祀不辍。
54. What (Tao's) skilful planter plants Can never be uptorn; What his skilful arms enfold, From him can ne'er be borne. Sons shall bring in lengthening…
Read chapterThe newborn child
含德之厚，比于赤子。
He who has in himself abundantly the attributes (of the Tao) is like an infant. Poisonous insects will not sting him; fierce beasts will not seize him;…
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