Chapter 39
The Power of Oneness
Original
昔之得一者：天得一以清，地得一以宁，神得一以灵，谷得一以盈，万物得一以生，侯王得一以为天下贞。
其致之，天无以清将恐裂，地无以宁将恐发，神无以灵将恐歇，谷无以盈将恐竭，万物无以生将恐灭，侯王无以贵高将恐蹶。
故贵以贱为本，高以下为基。是以侯王自称孤、寡、不谷。此非以贱为本邪？非乎？故致数誉无誉。不欲琭琭如玉，珞珞如石。
其致之，天无以清将恐裂，地无以宁将恐发，神无以灵将恐歇，谷无以盈将恐竭，万物无以生将恐灭，侯王无以贵高将恐蹶。
故贵以贱为本，高以下为基。是以侯王自称孤、寡、不谷。此非以贱为本邪？非乎？故致数誉无誉。不欲琭琭如玉，珞珞如石。
Translation
From ancient times, those who attained oneness: Heaven attained oneness and became clear; Earth attained oneness and became stable; Spirit attained oneness and became powerful; Valleys attained oneness and became full; All things attained oneness and came to life; Rulers attained oneness and became the world's standard. Without oneness: Heaven would crack; Earth would shake; Spirit would fade; Valleys would dry up; All things would perish; Rulers would fall. Therefore, the noble takes the humble as root, the high takes the low as foundation. Thus rulers call themselves 'orphaned,' 'lonely,' 'unworthy.' Is this not taking humility as root? True honor is beyond praise. Do not wish to be like jade, precious and polished; be like a stone, rough and solid.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter teaches that oneness (the Tao) is the source of harmony and stability for all things. It emphasizes humility as the foundation of true leadership and warns against seeking superficial honor.
How does it relate to me?
I often seek recognition or want to appear special. This reminds me that true strength comes from humility and being grounded, like a rough stone rather than polished jade.
What should I do today?
Today, I will acknowledge someone else's contribution before my own. I will thank a colleague or friend for their work, remembering my worth does not depend on receiving praise.
Related Chapters
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?