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"Way-making (dao) is an easy-flowing stream Which can run in any direction. With all things accomplished and the work complete, It does not assume any proprietary claim. Since all things (wanwu) offer it allegiance And yet it does not act as master, It can be counted among things of the most minor significance. And since all things offer it allegiance And yet it does not act as master, It can also be counted among things of the greatest significance. It is thus that the capacity of the sages to become great Is simply because they do not try to do great things. This is why they are indeed able to be great."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"Way-making (dao) is an easy-flowing stream Which can run in any direction. With all things accomplished and the work complete, It does not assume any proprietary claim. Since all things (wanwu) offer it allegiance And yet it does not act as master, It can be counted among things of the most minor significance. And since all things offer it allegiance And yet it does not act as master, It can also be counted among things of the greatest significance. It is thus that the capacity of the sages to become great Is simply because they do not try to do great things. This is why they are indeed able to be great."

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