Newfoundland Pagan Society - Book Review - Tao Te Ching: A Book About the Way and the Power of the Way

Book Review: Tao Te Ching: A Book About the Way and the Power of the Way

Title: Tao Te Ching: A Book About the Way and the Power of the Way

Author: Lao Tzu

Adapted by: Ursula K. Le Guin

Reviewer: Sarga Sky

Email: [email protected]

Publisher: Shambhala Publications, Inc.

ISBN: 1-57062-395-3

Book Subject: Taoism (poetic philosophy)

Where it can be found: Bookstore, Library

Rating: 9

Recommendation: Recommended for philosophical thought.

General Review:

This book is a poetic translation of the Chinese Taoist text written by Lao Tzu thousands of years ago. Through poetry, it provokes thought into the meaning of good verses evil, strength verses weakness, light verses dark.

A common theme in this book is the assertion that passivity, gentility, and submission triumph over strength and competition.

While I do not agree with all of the points made in this book, I can appreciate the reasoning behind them. It is still very relevant in today’s world, which is amazing, as it was written so long ago.

A quote I particularly enjoy from the book is as follows:

“Which is nearer,

name or self?

Which is dearer,

self or wealth?

Which gives more pain,

loss or gain?

All you grasp will be thrown away.

All you hoard will be utterly lost.

Contentment keeps disgrace away.

Restraint keeps you out of danger,

so you can go on for a long, long time.”