虛無章第二十三
Key Takeaway: "To be sparing with words is normal. A gusty wind does not last all morning; a sudden downpour does not last all day." — Laozi, Daodejing Chapter 23
A violent whirlwind cannot blow all morning; a driving rainstorm cannot pour all day. If Heaven and Earth cannot sustain extremes indefinitely, how much less can human striving? This principle is central to Daodejing Chapter 23 Translation.
Daodejing Chapter 23 Translation: Aligning with the Rhythm of Nature
The wisdom of Daodejing Chapter 23 Translation addresses a fundamental human dynamic: how we navigate ambition, quietude, and the natural flow of existence. In the classical tradition, this passage serves as both a metaphysical mirror and a practical compass for daily living and leadership. Explore how this principle translates into contemporary daily life in our guide to Why Lasting Power Never Needs Constant Force — Laozi’s Lesson for Modern Exhaustion.
By shifting our focus from outer coercion to internal stillness, we uncover a more resilient way of relating to ourselves and the world around us.
Complete Chapter Translation: Modern Western Reading
To be always talks is against nature. For the same reason a hurricane never lasts a whole morning, nor a rainstorm all day. Who is it that makes the wind and rain? It is Heaven-and Earth. And if even Heaven-and Earth cannot blow or pour for long, how much less in his utterance should man?
Truly, if one uses the Way as one's instrument, the results will be like the Way; if one uses the “power” as instrument, the results will be like the “power”. If one uses what is the reverse of the “power”, the results will be the reverse of the “power”. For to those who have conformed themselves to the Way, the Way readily lends its power. To those who have conformed themselves to the power, the power readily, lends more power. While to those who conform themselves to inefficacy, inefficacy readily lends its ineffectiveness. “It is by not believing in people that you turn them into liars.”
道德经中文原文与对照
【原文】 希言自然。故飄風不終朝，驟雨不終日。孰爲此者？天地。天地尚不能久，而況於人乎？故從事於道者，同於道；德者，同於德；失者，同於失。同於道者，道亦樂得之；同於德者，德亦樂得之；同於失者，失亦樂得之。信不足焉，有不信焉。
核心要义解析 (Philosophical Insights)
- 道义发微：本章通过“虛無章第二十三”阐发了《道德经》的核心精髓。从“有”与“无”、“动”与“静”的辩证转化中，提醒我们在日用常行中摒弃过度的功利执念，回归纯粹本真的生命状态。
- 现代启示：当外界喧嚣与评判标准不断施加压力时，保持内心的虚静与不争，反而是最强大的定力与智慧。
Follow the sequential development of the text in Laozi’s next philosophical movement in The Burden of Pretension: Standing on Tiptoe Never Lasts.
For a deeper comparative examination of these ideas, explore our related study on Passing Through Danger: Walking Through Rhinos and Tigers Without Armor.
