The Sayings of Lao Tzŭ

by Lao Tzu

EDITORIAL PREFACE

The object of the editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West, the old world of Thought, and the new of Action. In this endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour. Finally, in thanking press and public for the very cordial reception given to the "Wisdom of the East" series, they wish to state that no pains have been spared to secure the best specialists for the treatment of the various subjects at hand.

L. C.-B
S. A. K.

THE WISDOM OF THE EAST

THE SAYINGS
OF LAO TZŬ

TRANSLATED FROM THE CHINESE, WITH AN
INTRODUCTION, BY

LIONEL GILES

M.A. (OXON.), ASSISTANT AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

LONDON

THE ORIENT PRESS

Editorial Department: 168 Fleet Street, E.C.
Trade Department: 26 Paternoster Square, E,C

1904

CONTENTS

1. PAGE

2. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   9

3. I.

   Tao in its Transcendental Aspect and in its Physical Manifestation ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   19

4. II.

   Tao as a Moral Principle, or "Virtue" ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   24

5. III.

   The Doctrine of Inaction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   30

6. IV.

   Lowliness and Humility ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   33

7. V.

   Government ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   37

8. VI.

   War ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   41

9. VII.

   Paradoxes ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

   43

10. VIII.

    Miscellaneous Sayings and Precepts ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

    47

11. IX.

    Lao Tzŭ on Himself ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

    54