《道德经》英译（第二十二章）

曲则全，枉则直，洼则盈，敝则新，少则得，多则惑。

是以圣人抱一为天下式。不自见，故明；不自是，故彰；不自伐，故有功；不自矜，故长；

夫唯不争，故天下莫能与之争。古之所谓：“曲则全者”，岂虚言哉！诚全而归之。<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Chapter 22

To yield is yet to be preserved intact,

To be bent is yet to become straight.

To be hollow is yet to become full.

To be worn out is yet to be renewed.

To have little is yet to gain.

To have much is yet to be perplexed.

Therefore the sage holds on to the One

And thus becomes a model for the world.

He does not cling to his ideas.

Therefore he is able to see things clearly.

He does not claim to be always right.

Therefore he is able to tell right from wrong.

He does not boast of himself.

Therefore he is given credit.

He does not think himself superior.

Therefore he is qualified for leadership.

It is only because he does not compete

That the world cannot compete with him.

How could such an old saying be false

As “To yield is yet to be preserved intact?”

Truly one will be preserved wholly

Without going to the contrary.

This is a constant and natural precept.