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

In governing men and in serving Heaven, there isnothing like moderation. For only by moderation canthere be an early return to man's normal state. This earlyreturn is the same as a great storage of Virtue. With agreat storage of Virtue there is naught which may not beachieved. If there is naught which may not be achieved,then no one will know to what extent this power reaches.And if no one knows to what extent a man's powerreaches, that man is fit to be the ruler of a State. Havingthe secret of rule, his rule shall endure. Setting the taprootdeep, and making the spreading roots firm: this isthe way to ensure long life to the tree.Tao is the sanctuary where all things find refuge, thegood man's priceless treasure, the guardian and saviourof him who is not good.Hence at the enthronement of an Emperor and theappointment of his three ducal ministers, though therebe some who bear presents of costly jade and drivechariots with teams of four horses, that is not so good assitting still and offering the gift of this Tao.Why was it that the men of old esteemed this Tao sohighly? Is it not because it may be daily sought andfound, and can remit the sins of the guilty? Hence it isthe most precious thing under Heaven.All the world says that my Tao is great, but unlike otherteaching. It is just because it is great that it appearsunlike other teaching. If it had this likeness, long agowould its smallness have been known.