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The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

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6.<strong>The</strong> pure men <strong>of</strong> old did their duty to their neighbours,but did not associate with them. <strong>The</strong>y behaved as thoughwanting in themselves, but without flattering others.Naturally rectangular, they were not uncompromisinglyhard. <strong>The</strong>y manifested their independence without goingto extremes. <strong>The</strong>y appeared to smile as if pleased, whenthe expression was only a natural response. <strong>The</strong>iroutward semblance derived its fascination from the store<strong>of</strong> goodness within. <strong>The</strong>y seemed to be <strong>of</strong> the worldaround them, while proudly treading beyond its limits.<strong>The</strong>y seemed to desire silence, while in truth they haddispensed with language. <strong>The</strong>y saw in penal laws atrunk [1] ; in social ceremonies, wings [2] ; in wisdom, auseful accessory; in morality, a guide. For them penallaws meant a merciful administration; social ceremonies,a passport through the world; wisdom, an excuse fordoing what they could not help; and morality, walkinglike others upon the path. And thus all men praised themfor the worthy lives they led.notes[1] A natural basis <strong>of</strong> government.[2] To aid man's progress through life.

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