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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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4.Books are what the world values as representing Tao. Butbooks are only words, and the valuable part <strong>of</strong> words isthe thought therein contained. That thought has acertain bias which cannot be conveyed in words, yet theworld values words as being the essence <strong>of</strong> books. Butthough the world values them, they are not <strong>of</strong> value; asthat sense in which the world values them is not the sensein which they are valuable. . . .Duke Huan was one day reading in his hall, when awheelwright who was working below flung down hishammer and chisel, and mounting the steps said: “Whatwords may your Highness be studying?"“I am studying the words <strong>of</strong> the Sages," replied theDuke.“Are the Sages alive?" asked the wheelwright.“No," answered the Duke; “they are dead."“<strong>The</strong>n the words your Highness is studying," rejoinedthe wheelwright, “are only the dregs <strong>of</strong> the ancients."“What do you mean, sirrah!" cried the Duke, “<strong>by</strong>interfering with what I read? Explain yourself, or youshall die."

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