Tao Te Ching Chapter 77: The Cosmic Balance
Original Chinese Text
天之道，其犹张弓与？
高者抑之，下者举之；
有余者损之，不足者补之。
天之道，损有余而补不足。
人之道则不然，损不足以奉有余。
孰能有余以奉天下？唯有道者。
是以圣人为而不恃，功成而不处，其不欲见贤。
Pinyin (Pronunciation)
Tiān zhī dào, qí yóu zhāng gōng yǔ?
Gāo zhě yì zhī, xià zhě jǔ zhī;
Yǒuyú zhě sǔn zhī, bùzú zhě bǔ zhī.
Tiān zhī dào, sǔn yǒuyú ér bǔ bùzú.
Rén zhī dào zé bù rán, sǔn bùzú yǐ fèng yǒuyú.
Shú néng yǒuyú yǐ fèng tiānxià? Wéi yǒu dào zhě.
Shì yǐ shèngrén wéi ér bù shì, gōng chéng ér bù chù, qí bù yù jiàn xián.
Structured Translation & Interpretation
Cosmic vs. Human Justice
| Aspect | Heaven’s Way (天之道) | Human Way (人之道) |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | “Takes from excess, gives to need” | “Takes from need, gives to excess” |
| Mechanism | Like adjusting a bowstring | Like compounding interest |
| Manifestation | Seasons rebalance ecosystems | Wealth inequality grows |
| Agents | Natural forces | Power structures |
The Sage’s Correction
- Redistributive Action
- Channels surplus to deficiency (有余以奉天下)
- Ego-Free Leadership
- Acts without claiming (为而不恃)
- Succeeds without dwelling (功成而不处)
- Hides excellence (不欲见贤)
Plain English Paraphrase
- Nature’s Perfect Balance
- “Forest fires clear deadwood for new growth” → 损有余
- “Rivers naturally irrigate dry lands” → 补不足
- Humanity’s Dangerous Imbalance
- “Billionaires gain $2.7B daily while 800M starve” → 损不足奉有余
- The Enlightened Alternative
- “Like progressive taxation done perfectly” → 有道者 model
- “True achievement leaves no signature” → 不处 wisdom
Key Philosophical Terms
| Chinese | Literal Translation | Economic Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 张弓 | “Drawing a bow” | Dynamic equilibrium |
| 见贤 | “Displaying virtue” | Conspicuous philanthropy |
| 不恃 | “Not relying on” | Post-ownership economics |
Modern Applications
For Policy Making
- “Nordic social democracy vs. neoliberal capitalism” → 天之道 vs 人之道
For Business
- “Patagonia’s profit redistribution” → 有余以奉天下案例
For Personal Growth
- “Stealth generosity” → 不欲见贤 practice
“Like photosynthesis—taking abundant sunlight to nourish shaded areas.”
— Biochemical metaphor for cosmic justice
Connections to Other Chapters
- Chapter 9: “Retire when work is done” → Complementary non-attachment
- Chapter 81: “The sage gives without claiming” → Final teaching echo
Would you like:
- Mathematical models of wealth distribution?
- Historical redistribution success stories?
- Contrast with Randian objectivism?