Tao Te Ching Chapter 39

1. Classical Chinese 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；
侯王得一以为天下正。
其致之也，谓天无以清，将恐裂；
地无以宁，将恐废；
神无以灵，将恐歇；
谷无以盈，将恐竭；
万物无以生，将恐灭；
侯王无以正，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？
故至誉无誉。
是故不欲琭琭如玉，珞珞如石。

​2. Pinyin Transcription

Xī zhī dé yī zhě:
Tiān dé yī yǐ qīng;
Dì dé yī yǐ níng;
Shén dé yī yǐ líng;
Gǔ dé yī yǐ yíng;
Wànwù dé yī yǐ shēng;
Hóu wáng dé yī yǐ wéi tiānxià zhèng.
Qí zhì zhī yě, wèi tiān wú yǐ qīng, jiāng kǒng liè;
Dì wú yǐ níng, jiāng kǒng fèi;
Shén wú yǐ líng, jiāng kǒng xiē;
Gǔ wú yǐ yíng, jiāng kǒng jié;
Wànwù wú yǐ shēng, jiāng kǒng miè;
Hóu wáng wú yǐ zhèng, jiāng kǒng jué.
Gù guì yǐ jiàn wéi běn, gāo yǐ xià wéi jī.
Shì yǐ hóu wáng zì chēng gū, guǎ, bù gǔ.
Cǐ fēi yǐ jiàn wéi běn xié? Fēi hū?
Gù zhì yù wú yù.
Shì gù bù yù lù lù rú yù, luò luò rú shí.

​3. Structural Analysis

Section 1: The Cosmic Principle of Unity (得一 dé yī)

• ​Universal Applications:
  • Heaven: gains clarity
  • Earth: gains stability
  • Spirits: gain potency
  • Valleys: gain abundance
  • All things: gain life
  • Rulers: gain authority

Section 2: Consequences of Losing Unity

• ​Apocalyptic Scenarios:
  • Heaven without clarity → would crack
  • Earth without stability → would collapse
  • Spirits without potency → would vanish
  • Valleys without abundance → would dry
  • Life without unity → would perish
  • Rulers without foundation → would fall

Section 3: The Paradox of Power

• ​Fundamental Truths:
  “Nobility roots in humility”
  “Height depends on foundation”
• ​Royal Humility:
  Ancient rulers’ self-titles:
  • “孤” (Orphan)
  • “寡” (Widower)
  • “不谷” (Unworthy)

Section 4: The Way of Non-Attachment

• ​Ultimate Wisdom:
  “The highest praise is no praise”
• ​Material Detachment:
  “Reject jade-like preciousness, embrace stone-like simplicity”

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​4. Key Concepts

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​5. Comparative Commentary

• ​Chapter 42 Parallel: Both discuss cosmic generation from unity
• ​Confucian Contrast: Rejects formal titles for authentic humility
• ​Quantum Physics: Resonates with unified field theory concepts

​6. Plain-English Summary

This chapter reveals:

1. ​Everything depends on connection to the One (Dao)
2. ​Catastrophe follows when this unity breaks
3. ​True power comes from acknowledging lowliness
4. ​Wisdom means:
   • Rejecting superficial honors
   • Embracing fundamental simplicity

Discussion Prompt:
How does this apply to:

• Modern leadership crises?
• Environmental degradation?
• Personal identity issues?