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Open Philosophy LibraryTao Te Ching (The Tao Teh King)Laozi

Tao Te Ching (The Tao Teh King)

By Laozi

Traditionally attributed to Laozi, the Tao Te Ching is the foundational Daoist classic of the Way and its virtue or power. Across 81 concise chapters, James Legge's translation explores naturalness, simplicity, non-forcing, humility, contentment and government restrained by respect for the lives and capacities of the people.

Translator or editor
James Legge
Publication
Compiled c. 4th century BCE; James Legge translation published 1891
Genre
Daoist philosophical classic; poetry; ethics and political philosophy
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

Tao Te Ching, also known in James Legge's translation as The Tao Teh King, is the foundational classic of Daoist philosophy. Its eighty-one short chapters examine the Tao, the Way that gives rise to and sustains the changing world without being exhausted by any name or definition. The work develops its philosophy through paradox and recurring images: water, emptiness, the valley, the infant and the uncarved block. These images present softness, receptivity and simplicity as sources of resilience rather than signs of failure. Its idea of wu wei, or non-action, does not mean doing nothing. It describes action free from force, possessiveness and self-display. The sage assists without claiming ownership and completes work without clinging to achievement. Political chapters criticise warfare, luxury, heavy burdens and intrusive government. The best ruler creates conditions in which people can flourish without constant interference. Legge's historic translation gives readers access to a work whose reflections on power, desire, naturalness and restraint remain philosophically challenging.

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