
The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics
by Laozi
'The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics' Summary
Written in classical Chinese some time during the sixth century BC, The Tao Teh King or The Tao and its Characteristics is a classical Chinese text that is one of the important keystones in understanding the thought systems of Asia.
Though no clear records exist, it is traditionally thought to have been the work of the sage Lao Tzu, the founder of classical Taoism. He is reputed to have been a contemporary of Confucius, though this is also shrouded in mystery. However, many succeeding emperors and dynasties have claimed that he lived in their eras. The term Lao Tzu itself means only “Ancient Master” and though his historicity remains in doubt, his work is revered and honored even today.
Taoism is the tradition of ethics, philosophy, politics and religious tradition of Ancient China in which the emphasis is on living in harmony with the principles of Tao or the “path.” It has had a deep and abiding influence on Chinese literature, art, music and culture. As it spread throughout Asia, it also had a great impact on astrology, alchemy, martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, Zen Buddhism, feng shui and many other schools of thought.
This translation was undertaken by James Legge, a Scottish missionary who worked in Malacca and Hong Kong besides mainland China and went on to become a professor of Chinese Studies at Oxford University. He is most famous for co-authoring The Sacred Texts of the East in collaboration with Max Mueller, a monumental work that spanned fifty volumes and took almost fifteen years to complete. The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics by Lao Tze is part of that series and was published in 1880.
The Tao Teh King.... has been translated more than 250 times into English, German, French and a host of Western and Eastern languages. However, one of the enduring issues with translating ancient Chinese texts is the cryptic nature of the language itself. Ancient Chinese language is based in delicate nuances, allusions, metaphors and subtexts which are wide open to interpretation. There are no punctuation marks in the language and the syntax itself is vague and provides a puzzle for the translator. Hence, there is no definitive translation of this work. The original was written on bamboo strips joined with silk and it is no longer available in its complete form.
James Legge was deeply knowledgeable and well-versed in Chinese philosophy and language, hence his work enjoys a solid reputation. For readers interested in a rich and enduring way of thought that seeks to blend man and his environment, this is indeed a treasure trove!
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
Classical ChinesePublished In
1868Authors
Laozi
China
Lao Tzu also rendered as Laozi commonly translated as "Old Master" and Lao-Tze (/ˈlaʊˈdzeɪ/), was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder o...
Books by LaoziDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Book of Life by Upton Sinclair
In "Book of Life," renowned author Upton Sinclair shares his profound insights and wisdom on a wide range of life's essential aspects, from faith and...

Persian Hidden Words by Bahá'u'lláh
The Hidden Words is a collection of short utterances by Baháʼuʼlláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, that are intended to be a source of spiritual gu...

Fábulas, volume 1 by Aesop
Este volume de fábulas de Esopo, o lendário autor grego, apresenta uma coleção de pequenas histórias que ensinam lições morais através de personagens...

Works of Mencius by Mencius
The *Works of Mencius*, a foundational text in Chinese philosophy, presents the teachings of Mencius (372-289 BC), a prominent figure in the Confucian...

Paradise, or Garden of the Holy Fathers (Book 2) by Palladius
Paradise, or Garden of the Holy Fathers (Book 2) by Palladius is a collection of stories about the lives of early Christian monks and nuns who lived i...

Prophet by D. H. Lawrence
The Prophet is a collection of philosophical essays presented as speeches delivered by a wise, exiled prophet named Almustafa. Each speech explores va...

Thoughts on Art and Life by Leonardo da Vinci
This compilation, translated by Maurice Baring and edited by Lewis Einstein, offers a glimpse into the multifaceted mind of Leonardo da Vinci. It pre...

Fables de La Fontaine, livre 11 by Jean de La Fontaine
Ce onzième livre des fables de Jean de La Fontaine est celui qui contient le plus petit nombre de fables: 10. Toutefois, les textes de ces fables sont...

Über den Zorn by Lucius Annaeus Seneca
In "Über den Zorn", Seneca, ein römischer Philosoph und Anhänger des Stoizismus, erörtert die Natur und die Bewältigung von Zorn. Er argumentiert, da...

'Sacred' Kurral of Tiruvalluva-Nayanar by Thiruvalluvar
The Tirukkural, attributed to the sage Thiruvalluvar, is a collection of 1,330 couplets in Tamil. Divided into three sections—Virtue, Wealth, and Love...
Reviews for The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics
No reviews posted or approved, yet...