In 81 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.
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"perhaps one of the oldest self help books in the history of humankind, is actually a ancient Chinese scroll that has bin translated countless times through out history. pondering's on life,love and war dance upon the pages of the Tao Te ching. Laozi the Tao Te ching's author is as much of a mystery as the writings he gave the world there is only one known "biography" the Shiji about him. but what lures so many people from so many walks of life to the Tao Te ching ? I think it is the beautiful writing it is poetic and almost cryptic at times, the writing them selves are calming and can allow someone to turn with in and "reflect" if you will. there is not one specific phrase or summitry that I can say to sum up this ancient text . only thing that I can say is take from it what you want. and enjoy a good read that will give you some time to turn within."
— Azel (4 out of 5 stars)
" Super simple, super effective "
— Nick, 7/10/2016" Great teachings. "
— Manuel, 2/17/2014" A gust of fresh air for the mind! "
— Rikin, 2/10/2014" Love this book. No word to describe how much this book speaks to my soul and how it is a permanent book in my library ! I just freaking LOVE it ! "
— Kenley, 2/4/2014" This ancient Taoist text, allegedly written around the 6th century BC, never fails to deliver wisdom to every facet of life. There are many legends surrounding the writing of this book, although modern historians widely agree that it is probably a collection of wise sayings than the work of one man. There is no god-head in Taoism and no enlightenment. The text is more a manual on the art of living and governing. There has been significant, modern interest in Taoism, in conjunction with the rise of Capitalism, posing the question, opiate for precarious times or opposition to material dissatisfaction? "
— Jeff, 1/23/2014" For those of you who aren't familiar with the Tao already, it's a very old text based on the ideas of Lao Tzu. He managed to condense it down to roughly an hour long read but packed it full of truly enlightening, wise words. Even if you don't realize it, you've heard it referenced plenty of times. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," for example. I honestly can't find adequate words to describe the overall idea. You'll just have to read it yourself. It's powerful stuff. In the long run, I believe the book really might change my life. "
— Sarah, 1/15/2014" A book that everyone (especially leaders) should read. "
— Samantha, 1/15/2014" the tao te ching is the kind of book you keep coming back to. you could read a chapter every day, continuously, for the rest of your life, and still not soak in all the wisdom of this book. it's insightful, relevant, incredibly wise, and inspiring. although it's difficult to decode some of the poetics, it's a beautiful piece of work. "
— Tracey, 1/8/2014" I just think everyone should have a copy (maybe on the coffee table?) to read and re-read. The words make the reader feel connected to something bigger than himself, whole, peaceful, happy. "
— Nicole, 12/8/2013" Small and short but not to be overlooked as one of the greatest bibles on living a sound life. If, after reading, you don't see the interconnectivity of all, the Tao deems it so. "
— Karen, 12/4/2013" Kind of boring, to be honest. "
— Dania, 12/1/2013" Excelent translation "
— Edgar, 11/26/2013" I couldn't have made it without the explanations. Some very powerful tools dealing withconflicts and challenges "
— Danny, 11/22/2013" In tegenstelling tot veel bestaande versies van de Tao is deze nieuwe versie wel zeer toegankelijk en leesbaar. Hier zijn topvertalers aan het werk gegaan, daarbij mede gebruikmakend van nieuwe Spaanse en Engelse vertalingen. Het verschil met andere, oudere Nederlandse versies is ongelooflijk. Vertalers Michael Baker en Huib Wilkes, en ook uitgever Altamira, verdienen herhaalde lof. "
— M.H., 11/19/2013" Definitely some great thought nuggets "
— Velour, 11/19/2013" Red Pine's is the most impressive and authoritative English translation of the Daodejing I've read (which is not to say some of the others are without virtue). I've been reading it slowly, ruminating over each verse (or chapter, as the translator calls them). I'll have more to say about it shortly. "
— Dave, 11/19/2013" The best translation to the book, has the most up to date information concerning the book since it comes from the source material of the oldest scrolls possible. I highly recommend this version. "
— Aurochz, 11/16/2013" One of my pillow books. Poetic philosophy, so simple yet un-revealing until you work at it. "
— Ricardo, 11/13/2013" this is beautiful writing/poetry....i have come back to it again and again and always gain new insight "
— Annette, 11/1/2013" I've read quite a few interpretations, and this one has by far been the best. Another book from my teen years that influenced me heavily. "
— Dungeons, 10/26/2013" A must read for anyone of any faith. "
— Stephanie, 9/30/2013" After reviewing many different translations of the Tao Te Ching, this is by far the best I have found for our times. The paperback version is nice and portable, I never travel without this in my bag! "
— Sdubby, 9/3/2013" Sometimes this book was difficult to understand; other times it was pure beauty. "
— Carol, 8/23/2013" It wasn't this translation, but close enough. "
— Kirby, 7/21/2013" I own a copy of it and have read it in Latvian "
— Rita, 5/1/2013" now have this as a book on tape ... ;-]] "
— Anne, 4/26/2013" My source for a quest which began many years ago... "
— Al, 2/18/2013" Mind-blowing brilliance "
— Zvonimir, 11/27/2012" I like this, and I like the translation. I'll have to re-read it again. "
— Brimate, 9/3/2012" While marked read, it is a book I will never stop reading. This little book has been around for roughly 2500 years and is still relevant today. "
— Jennifer, 5/16/2012" An excellent, scholarly, English translation with commentary that is extremely useful and relevant. Very highly recommended to all! "
— Ross, 4/30/2012" great translation, the interpretations in my opinion seemed a bit of bogus, but you should decide for yourself. "
— Stevahkno, 4/26/2012" Re-reading this book :) "
— Jaynee, 3/4/2012" I really cannot say that I know that much about Taoism. But this book is an unbelievable work of philosophy in its own right. "
— Jake, 2/21/2012" simple, elegant, wise. and topsy-turvy from all good American values. "
— Michael, 2/6/2012" Love this book. No word to describe how much this book speaks to my soul and how it is a permanent book in my library ! I just freaking LOVE it ! "
— Kenley, 1/28/2012" This is easily one of my favourite audio books. I find it's a great reminder of the peace that can be found by letting go of all the attachments and desires that compel me into worrying by thinking about the future and past. "
— Alexis, 11/20/2011" Excellent guide for daily and life meditation , read a verse and then write what comes to mind. "
— Steven, 11/4/2011" great amazing "
— Last'exit, 11/4/2011" Suberb. I Love Stephen Mitchell's translation. "
— Judith, 9/20/2011" Always a good book to turn to for ispiring outlook and perspective. "
— Joshua, 8/15/2011" This book makes a lot of sense. "
— Zach, 7/3/2011" Loved the simple messages and the complex meanings "
— Bob, 6/22/2011" My first English Tao. <br/>The book cover is beautiful. "
— Tserenchimed, 6/12/2011" This was written Pre-Christ and has a very humble and seemingly accurate view of what God would be. "
— Michael, 6/11/2011" I liked that this version included other interpretations of the original text and commentary. Very philosophical read! (Duh.) "
— Erica, 6/9/2011" I don't get huge portions of it, so I can't say every verse is wise, but they are all very good at getting you to think calmly about ideas and sometimes at providing unintentional humor. "
— Jim, 6/7/2011" This text contains meaning and message far deeper than its short length would presume. "
— Cory, 6/5/2011" What can I say? This is a classic in Chinese philosophy. The echos with the New Testament are eery. "
— Miles, 6/2/2011" I really enjoyed this particular addition, because of the beautiful Chinese paintings that accompanied it. "
— Victoria, 5/30/2011" A lovely little book chock-full of ancient wisdom. Some translations of classics are easier to read than others and while I cannot speak to how well this is translated, I can say it is easy to grasp. Definitely a book to keep on the bedside table to read and reread. "
— Annette, 5/30/2011" A lovely little book chock-full of ancient wisdom. Some translations of classics are easier to read than others and while I cannot speak to how well this is translated, I can say it is easy to grasp. Definitely a book to keep on the bedside table to read and reread. "
— Annette, 5/30/2011" A book of riddles that illuminates so many years later. The Tao at times makes no sense and then makes perfect sense thats the beauty of it. Lao Tzu's text seems to have an enigmatic personality all its own. One of the classics of literature with many profound implications on its pages. <br/> "
— Shawneci, 5/23/2011" great translation, the interpretations in my opinion seemed a bit of bogus, but you should decide for yourself. "
— Stevahkno, 5/22/2011" great translation, the interpretations in my opinion seemed a bit of bogus, but you should decide for yourself. "
— Stevahkno, 5/22/2011" I equate this book with the Bible. "
— Eddie, 5/15/2011" I equate this book with the Bible. "
— Eddie, 5/15/2011" The kind of book which will take a day to complete a page. The only teachings that it does are the ones which we already learn in our life "
— Sridatta, 5/12/2011" Brill inspiring book ! A must read "
— Siobhan, 5/12/2011" The truth on the art of living, expressed with simplicity and beauty. "
— Tara, 5/9/2011" Very insightful. I think one should re-read this every few years. Definitely wiser and more advanced than I can hope to be! "
— Katie, 5/5/2011" All of the Tao te Ching material is gold. "
— Will, 5/4/2011" i like le guin's take on this classic. "
— Lisa, 4/6/2011Lao Tzu was a philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching.
Stephen Mitchell was born in Brooklyn in 1943, educated at Amherst, the Sorbonne, and Yale, and de-educated through intensive Zen practice. His many books include the bestselling Tao Te Ching, Gilgamesh, and The Second Book of the Tao, as well as The Gospel according to Jesus, Bhagavad Gita, The Book of Job, and Meetings with the Archangel.