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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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17.<strong>The</strong> men <strong>of</strong> this world all rejoice in others being likethemselves, and object to others not being likethemselves.18.If metal and stone were without Tao, they would not becapable <strong>of</strong> emitting sound. And just as they possess theproperty <strong>of</strong> sound, but will not emit sound unless struck,so surely is the same principle applicable to all creation.19.In the Golden Age good men were not appreciated;ability was not conspicuous. Rulers were mere beacons,while the people were free as the wild deer. <strong>The</strong>y wereupright without being conscious <strong>of</strong> duty to theirneighbours. <strong>The</strong>y loved one another without beingconscious <strong>of</strong> charity. <strong>The</strong>y were true without beingconscious <strong>of</strong> loyalty. <strong>The</strong>y were honest without being <strong>of</strong>good faith. <strong>The</strong>y acted freely in all things withoutrecognising obligations to any one. Thus their deeds leftno trace; their affairs were not handed down toposterity.

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