READING PATHS
A quieter way of living
An invitation to notice enoughness, soften ambition, and return to the ordinary.
Knowing when to stop
持而盈之，不如其已。
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point…
Read chapterReturning to the root
致虚极，守静笃。
The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their…
Read chapterStanding on tiptoe
企者不立，跨者不行，自见者不明，自是者不彰，自伐者无功，自矜者不长。
He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who…
Read chapterKnowing what is enough
名与身孰亲？身与货孰多？得与亡孰病？是故甚爱必大费，多藏必厚亡，知足不辱，知止不殆，可以长久。
44. Or fame or life, Which do you hold more dear? Or life or wealth, To which would you adhere? Keep life and lose those other things; Keep them and lose…
Read chapterEnough is enough
天下有道，却走马以粪。
When the Tao prevails in the world, they send back their swift horses to (draw) the dung-carts. When the Tao is disregarded in the world, the war-horses…
Read chapterLess and less
为学日益，为道日损。
He who devotes himself to learning (seeks) from day to day to increase (his knowledge); he who devotes himself to the Tao (seeks) from day to day to…
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