Tao Te Ching Chapter 59
1. Classical Chinese Original
治人事天，莫若啬。
夫唯啬，是谓早服；
早服谓之重积德；
重积德则无不克；
无不克则莫知其极；
莫知其极，可以有国；
有国之母，可以长久；
是谓深根固柢，长生久视之道。
2. Pinyin Transcription
Zhì rén shì tiān, mò ruò sè.
Fū wéi sè, shì wèi zǎo fú;
Zǎo fú wèi zhī chóng jī dé;
Chóng jī dé zé wú bù kè;
Wú bù kè zé mò zhī qí jí;
Mò zhī qí jí, kě yǐ yǒu guó;
Yǒu guó zhī mǔ, kě yǐ cháng jiǔ;
Shì wèi shēn gēn gù dǐ, cháng shēng jiǔ shì zhī dào.
3. Structural Analysis
Section 1: Core Principle – Conservation (啬)
- Governance & Nature: “In governing people and serving Heaven, nothing surpasses conservation”
- Key Action: “Conservation means early preparation”
Section 2: Progressive Benefits
- “Early preparation → accumulating abundant virtue”
- “Abundant virtue → overcoming all challenges”
- “Overcoming all → limitless potential”
- “Limitless potential → capacity to govern”
Section 3: Eternal Statecraft
- Mother of Governance: “Possessing the mother of the state → enduring stability”
- Organic Metaphor: “Deep roots and firm foundation → the way of lasting vision”
4. Key Concepts
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Philosophical Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 啬 | sè | Conservation | Economical use of resources |
| 早服 | zǎo fú | Early preparation | Proactive cultivation |
| 重积德 | chóng jī dé | Accumulating virtue | Storing moral power |
| 深根固柢 | shēn gēn gù dǐ | Deep roots | Sustainable foundation |
5. Comparative Commentary
- Chapter 52 Parallel: Both emphasize “mother” as source
- Ecological Wisdom: Resource conservation principles
- Leadership Theory: Sustainable power through virtue
6. Plain-English Summary
This chapter teaches:
- Supreme Principle: Conservation as governance foundation
- Virtuous Cycle:
Preparation → Virtue → Power → Governance → Longevity - Organic Wisdom:
- Like deep-rooted trees
- Nourishes lasting vision
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