Today's random chapter from the Tao Teh Chich (oops! I mean "Ching"):

[capri0mni]

29

Those who seek to conquer the world,
and shape it as they see fit, never succeed.
The world is a sacred vessel and cannot be improved.
Whoever tries to alter it spoils it;
whoever tries to direct it, misleads it.

So, some things advance, others lag;
some proceed in silence, others make sound;
some are strong, others weak;
some are forward, others retiring.

Therefore the truly wise avoid extremes,
extravagance, and foolish pride.

-- translation by C. Ganson

Comments

[theta-g.livejournal.com]

Tao Teh Chich is different from Tao Teh Ching?

[capriuni.livejournal.com]

It's the Tao Teh Ching translated by a typo gremlin!

(either that, or translated by Chong)