In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.
Stephen Mitchell's bestselling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.
BEWARE OF CLUELESS REVIEWERS!September 1, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The naysaying reviewers did not bother to read this book through. Nowhere does it claim to be a literal translation, and following the lessons are the author's notes, explaining exactly what he did or didn't add, and why, as well as references to what was replaced from the original -- much of which is as wonderful as the lessons themselves. There is so much beauty and depth in this "new version" that this reviewer can see no reason for the downright fury it seems to provoke in these other readers. Perhaps they should keep reading the Tao -- ANY version.
Best Translation Ever.August 28, 2008 So for those that are unaware, The Tao Te Ching is one of the simplest and easiest religious/philosophical writings to read through and this translation by Stephen Mitchell is probably going down as the penultimate version of the book.
The Tao consists of formulaic scriptures, to know is to accept not knowing, there is no love with out hate, and the like. It talks about balance within yourself and balance with nature to find happiness. Many of the metaphors are simple, but greatly resonate with almost anyone.
Most translations try to make this book more poetic and flourish the lines with pretty little metaphors. That is all fine and good, but what Stephen Mitchell did here was strip all of that poetic crap away and find the root in each word. Find what the writer, which is attributed to Lao Tzu, was attempting to say in it's purest form. By doing this, Stephen also found the real poetry, the real beauty in the simplicity. This was not the first Tao I have read, but by far is my favorite and I can hardly stand reading other versions now.
This is a book that is good for people who study philosophies and religions, but also for the lay man, even someone that is not looking for a religion or a new way of thinking, just as a beautifully written piece.
If you are tired of dogmatic writings, tired of being forced with guilt, and just want something that makes sense to most, even while debating interpretations, this is the version of the Tao to go with.
Worth every penny.
Tao Te ChingJuly 20, 2008 If you buy this book and accept the knowlege bestowed upon you, it will transform you life forever.
Warhead?July 16, 2008 The word warhead appears in this text. When I read it, I became suspicious of the entire book and the reading became unpleasant as a result. After reading reviews, my worst fear was affirmed: this is not the Tao Te Ching. This is more of a paraphrase of various translation with the author's own language thrown in.
I know that the Tao cannot be conveyed through words. It is better to say that the Tao Te Ching describes around it, like hands attempting to contain a ball, concealing it so that it cannot be seen while hinting at its shape and size. The ball is there, but the hands conceal it. Lift the hands and the ball shall be seen! It is not there, but it is. This book is like a pair of hands, but they are dirty. They have been sneezed in. It is impolite to offer one's hand to shake when it has been sneezed in!
Great living literature opens you up...this is one of those.July 13, 2008 This book has true value...unlike most books the Tao Te Ching can help you find meaning and truth in life.
