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“The power of the Lao-tzu’s imagery and, ultimately, the simplicity of its message seem to be able to overcome the problems of language and of distance in time and place, so that at the end of the twentieth century, this has become one of the most influential of texts, cherished by people in all walks of life throughout the world.” –from the Introduction by Sarah Allan
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Book Description
Fundamental to Chinese philosophy and religion, the "Tao Te Ching" is a simple guidebook for virtue, encouraging peace, understanding and humility. Ranging from political advice to common wisdom, it has also served as an inspiration to artists across the ages and throughout the world. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
The worst translation of such a great work,
By
This review is from: Penguin Classics Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
The Tao Te Ching is a great book of early Asian Philosophy. Unfortunately, this is by far the worst translation available, which is regrettable because I love Penguin classics. Penguin is a great publisher of the classics. I would really like to see Penguin publish this timely classic by Stephen Mitchell, which most will now admit is the "best" translation of this great book.Dr. Lau has a good "introduction" for the book but his "English" and word choice is rather poor and outdated. Comparing translations is good, since I have quite a variety of translations to look at. But for a really good translation, see Stephen Mitchell's version.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Confucian-based interpretation,
By A Customer
This review is from: Penguin Classics Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
D.C. Lau's translation is as good a place to start as any if you're new to the Tao Te Ching, though his introductory essay might scare off some with its dry, scholarly tone. I would suggest that you avoid reading it, unless of course you really want to hear his thoughts on the text. Given the ambiguity of Lao Tzu's masterpiece to interpretation, translations of the Tao Te Ching are wide and varied. Lau's is very much a Confucian-based interpretation. Which is not to say it is not any good, however, be aware that you're essentially reading one school of thought on the text. As for the text itself and it's meaning, it is difficult to explain. The Way is the path to truth, but what has to be understood is that this path has no start or finish. To put it another way, it is eternal and cyclic, much like the idea of Karma. It's about finding the true nature of existence and in turn, non-existence. Lao Tzu says, "Those who speak do not know; those who know do not speak". So perhaps I don't know what I'm talking about! I guess the meaning of the Tao Te Ching is up to the individual to decide upon. Regardless, D.C. Lau's translation is recommended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
What, Another One?,
By
This review is from: Penguin Classics Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
How many translations of Lauzi are there on the market? Twenty? A hundred? How many do we need? This one has been around for a long time, but it has stood the test of time better than most.Believe me when I say that there is no such thing as an even marginally adequate translation of the Dao De Jing, and there never will be. All the translator can hope to do is keep it simple and have a nice presentation on the page. This translation does this, without overdoing it.
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