Tao Te Ching: The Way to Goodness and Power

Dual-language edition with the original Chinese text and a new translation on the facing page in traditional Chinese binding.

No understanding of Chinese civilization is possible without a grasp of Taoism, the philosophy that has shaped not just Chinese spirituality but also art, science
and politics. And it was in the Tao Te Ching, written around 300BC, that the fundamental beliefs of Taoism were first gathered. This short, wise but very humble book went on to influence on philosophy, religion and politics.

In a compellingly simple rhetorical style the book addresses how to live a simple, peaceful and harmonious life, how to rid oneself of desires and free society of institutions that promote greed.

This dual-language edition of Tao Te Ching presents the original Chinese characters with a new translation on the facing page. With a new introduction that
discusses the questioned authorship of the text and editorial notes, all 81 brief chapters are included, ranging from advice for politicians to wise words for the
everyday person.

Of immense influence across millennia, Tao Te Ching is a classic text richly deserving this exquisite edition.

About the Author

Lao Tzu, or Laozi, is an honorific title meaning 'Old Master', and it is unlikely that the Tao Te Ching or Daodejing was written by one person, but if he did exist, his name was Li Er. Traditionally written in the sixth century BCE, there are a number of ancient text sources that have been used to compile this version.

James Trapp is the author of Chinese Characters: The Art and Meaning of Hanzi, Chinese Proverbs and also has translated a bestselling new multilingual edition of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. A Chinese language graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, he teaches Mandarin and was previously an Education Officer on the China Collection at the British Museum.