Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Marc Denny Interview with PlugOneTwo

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Woof!


A lengthy and great interview of Marc Denny aka Crafty Dog of the Dog Brothers.


Enjoy!





For this half of the interview with Guro Marc, we talk about gauging the tenacity of a student, the use of Eskrima/Kali/Arniz during the World War II and jail time stories in Mexico. A beautiful first half to a two part interview.



In closing, Guro Marc tells more jail stories, his journey in finding his system and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite's status in the Filipino martial arts community. This was a true pleasure and honor to speak with a true legend in the Martial world.






In case you missed my previous Dog Brothers related-entries, please check out:




Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Green Hornet E19 - Corpse of the Year (Part 2) (27 Jan 1967)


48 years ago on this date of January 27th in the year 1967, the 19th episode of the new TV series, The Green Hornet, aired.


Posted this episode to mirror the airdate from 48 years ago. I wonder what was going through Bruce's mind as Brandon's 2nd birthday is upcoming in 5 days on Feb. 1?


Enjoy!




Green Hornet E19
Corpse of the Year (Part 2) (27 Jan 1967) 
 
Britt Reid believes that the death of the Daily Express publisher, Simon Neal, was no accident, and that Neal was the fake Green Hornet's target all along. When a would-be informant is killed, all clues point to Dan Scully as the phony Green Hornet. However, Scully himself had nothing to gain from Neal's death. Reid believes someone else was behind the scheme, and narrows the suspects down to two - Neal's niece Melissa, and his managing editor Sabrina Bradley. He intends to smoke out the phony Green Hornet one more time to figure out which it is.
 




Other episodes of The Green Hornet posted:






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Monday, January 26, 2015

THE WISDOM OF: Louis Zamperini (Jan 26, 1917 – Jul 2, 2014)

Photo credit:  Sally Peterson/Wall Street Journal


Louis Zamperini would've been 98 today.


Back on Christmas Day of 2014, the movie, Unbroken, was released. Angelina Jolie directed this movie which was about the life and challenges that Louis Zamperini faced. Too bad "Zamp the Champ" wasn't alive to see it.


I am posting some quotes as well as reposting an excerpt from Runner's World magazine in Louis Zamperini's honor.


Enjoy!





“The one who forgives never brings up the past to that person's face. When you forgive, it's like it never happened. True forgiveness is complete and total.”

“I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. Hate is self destructive. If you hate somebody, you're not hurting the person you hate, you're hurting yourself. It's a healing, actually, it's a real healing...forgiveness.”

“All I knew was that hate was so deadly as any poison and did no one any good. You had to control and eliminate it, if you could.”

“Yet a part of you still believes you can fight and survive no matter what your mind knows. It's not so strange. Where there's still life, there's still hope. What happens is up to God.”

“I was raised to face any challenge.”

“I'd made it this far and refused to give up because all my life I had always finished the race.”

“All I want to tell young people is that you're not going to be anything in life unless you learn to commit to a goal. You have to reach deep within yourself to see if you are willing to make the sacrifices.”

“Someone who doesn't make the (Olympic) team might weep and collapse. In my day no one fell on the track and cried like a baby. We lost gracefully. And when someone won, he didn't act like he'd just become king of the world, either. Athletes in my day were simply humble in our victory."

"I believe we were more mature then...Maybe it's because the media puts so much pressure on athletes; maybe it's also the money. In my day we competed for the love of the sport...In my day we patted the guy who beat us on the back, wished him well, and that was it.”




Excerpted from Runner's World magazine - "Life According to Louie:  Zamperini on running, survival, and his Seabiscuit strategy" by Christine Fennessy; Published December 3, 2010 Media: Life According to Louie



I do a lot of walking. I can run, you know, but what's the use? I'm not going to compete. I met a little girl in the park about a month ago—she was a little thing and she was just running, running, running. I talked to her mother and she said, that's what she does, she runs and runs. My daughter says to the kid, "Do you want to race my dad?" We raced about five yards and she beat me. My daughter said, "Now you can tell everyone you beat an Olympian." 
I can run now fine. Just not far. When I went on the track at USC [University of Southern California] last track season to see the students, this girl says, "I'm the sprinter," and I said, "I'll race you—10 yards." She said okay. The coach said, on your marks, and I said, "Wait a minute, because of my age I want a five-yard handicap." I beat her. I'm going to go back and challenge her again to a 20-yard race and get a 10-yard head start. If she runs full speed she can probably beat me. 
Twice a year I talk to all the athletes at USC. They're real nice. Whenever I go on the track, they all gather around and we talk about the old days. 
I tell them, if you want to be an Olympian, you've got to persevere.You've got to focus on one thing—coming in first. It's a natural thing we're born with; no matter what you're doing, even on the freeway, you want to be a winner, right? Everybody wants to be a winner. 
I saw Allyson Felix before she got started. Her coach called me and said, "I have this girl here who is going to be a runner." So I went over and spent an hour watching her train. I said, "Yeah, she's going to be a real good sprinter if she puts her heart into it," which is what you have to do. 
The most important thing for a great athlete today isn't just winning. It's being a real role model. You'd be surprised how kids get very emotional about their heroes, and look at all the heroes that have let them down. 
We'd been offered drugs right and left in my day. But I never heard of any athlete taking a drug. To me, it was like death. We wanted to win on our own. The nearest thing I came to drugs was when my coach had me run three races in one day. Before the last race, I took a teaspoon of honey. I thought, well, I'd run two races; I'd burned up a lot of energy and honey turns into energy quick. And I felt guilty. 
You've got to realize, when I was a kid I was nothing. Nothing. I was just a juvenile delinquent. I formed a gang and started stealing. With running, I got a taste for the first time of accomplishment. I became a fanatic. I didn't eat pie or milkshakes. That first accomplishment, boy, that felt good. 
I slept outside a lot. I would take my sleeping bag and sleep on the grass in the backyard. Life magazine recently did a feature story on dogs; it showed dogs from the turn of the century until about the 1940s. Boy, they were really dogs! In those days, the dogs lived outside. Today they live inside and not only that—people are kissing them! It was pathetic to see what we've done to the animal. The dogs should be outside in the fresh air. 
As a kid, I often had my .22. I was always hunting. In those days, people were poor, so half the food we ate was game. We ate a lot of jackrabbits, cottontails. We used to shoot them on the run. In the military, they put us on a firing line. The sergeant said to me, "Your first shooting and you made expert—how come?" I said, "The target isn't moving!" 
The horse is the most beautiful animal on the face of the planet. It's very inspiring to see a horse run. In my day, Seabiscuit was such a favorite, they'd stop the track meet while everyone listened to the radio broadcast over the loudspeaker. After it was through, I'd run my race the same way Seabiscuit had run his—if he ran slow, then sped up at the end, I did that. If he ran close to the front, I would, too. 
I had another secret. My biology teacher told me when you breathe carbon dioxide on a plant, it throws off oxygen. So Saturdays before my race, I would lie on the infield grass on my face, breathing in extra oxygen. And I would wait for Seabiscuit to race. I would lie there for a half hour, and pretty soon Seabiscuit would run. 
I could have broken the four-minute mile before Bannister. I was ready for it. At the national collegiate finals in 1938, I broke the national collegiate record. My time was 4:08. That's when I knew I could do the four-minute mile. I never had another chance because of the war. 
People say, "Hey, did you get a gold?" I say, no, I got the lead. That shuts them up. It's like the guy who got second or third was nothing. In my day, they would say, "Louie what place did you win?" 
All the things I learned from running applied to any survival situation. You learn to be 100 percent obedient to discipline. It's not just running and training—it's proper diet and the right attitude. But besides that, I took a lot of survival training. I was an Eagle Scout, an outdoorsman—which is probably the reason I could be busted up like I have been and still be healthy. 
People say, "After so many days on the raft, you must have hallucinated." Baloney. We were sharper after 47 days than the day we started because our minds were empty of all the worldly contamination and wars. We had a clean mind to fill with good thoughts. So every day we'd do something to exercise our minds. 
Did I think about all the races? Sure I did. You got to keep your mind active. 
If you proved to be a liar in an interrogation, you were finished. As proof of that, after being captured, we were skeletons who couldn't stand up, couldn't walk, had to be carried across the backs of the Japanese. Yet we were able to defeat six naval officers trained in interrogation. 
After the war, when we pulled out of that horrible slave labor camp, I had to close my eyes. I was treated so horribly, I couldn't bear to look back and have the memory of that place in my mind. 
I carried the Olympic torch in 1998 in Joetsu, Japan [near Zamperini's former POW camp]. It was kind of nostalgic. I started to think about how lucky I was to get home alive. We lost so many guys in prison. Then I saw these little kids cheering me on, and the nostalgia left. When I finished, all these young people were around me asking questions, wanting autographs. It was great. I just couldn't believe it. The love these people offered me made me forget about the labor camp. I told them, "When I leave tomorrow, I will look back." 
Even at my age now, I'm trying to improve. Never give up, no matter what. Even if you get last place—finish. 
I ran up Mt. Hollywood when I was 65. It took me eight minutes, 28 seconds to get to the top. I held the record for about six years at my old age, and then some high school miler beat it by about 10 seconds. 
I have been qualified in 83 different professions. I quit going to the movies 40 years ago because I wanted to do everything. I've been a lifeguard, a cowboy, a scuba instructor, a ski instructor. I was 83 different things. Boy, I wouldn't trade that for anything. You have to be consistent in your persistence with your endeavors. 
I don't have the appetite I used to have. I have nothing but pure juices, and I have what we call the Olympic food—oatmeal. I have a big bowl every morning sweetened with grapes or cherries, whatever is in season. So you have your oatmeal and your protein with an egg and whatever it is that's in cherries and grapes. It's a good breakfast. I try to keep away from grease. 
It's always been recommended you do eight flights of stairs a day for your heart. I probably do about 25. 
I fly what they call a T34. That's a World War II trainer. My buddy has it. He's 88, and his wife doesn't want him to fly anymore. She says, "Well, you can fly if you have someone in the back seat who can land the plane." She's afraid he'll have a heart attack. So I fly in the backseat, and if he has a heart attack, I can take over. So we get up and we do slow rolls and loops. It's an acrobatic plane. 
The greatest generation was hardy because we were all in the same boat. Everyone pitched in and helped each other. You don't see that today. 
If people would just keep on exercising, they wouldn't die so young.The important thing is those stairways. They're good for senior citizens. They stumble over carpets that are a quarter-inch thick because they don't walk up stairs. When they do stairs, they lift their leg about 10 inches with each step—they're getting exercise and have less chance of stumbling over the carpet. 
I'm always doing something physical, all day long. I'm moving things, sawing, fitting things. 
Pain is that last quarter of a mile. The last of anything. You feel it, but when you're through racing, your whole body just feels elated. So the pain is worth it. I had a high tolerance for pain. When I carried the torch in Japan, the mayor asked me, "Tell me Mr. Zamperini, did anything good come out of you being a POW?" "Yeah," I said, "it prepared me for 55 years of married life." I was going to say I developed a high tolerance for pain but I didn't want to hurt their feelings. So I said the next worst thing. 
I got pains. I got to accept it. I shouldn't be alive. But I have wonderful friends, a great family who loves me, and the pain doesn't bother me. I just accept it. I have a little back problem, but nothing gets me down. Everything that has happened in my life, good or bad, has worked together for good.




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Happy 74th Birthday Doug Rogers!!

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In Doug Rogers' honor, I'm posting "Judoka" (1965). It's a film by Josef Reeve about Rogers who was a student of Judo great Masahiko Kimura.


Enjoy!!


Happy Birthday Doug Rogers!





This short documentary tells the story of Doug Rogers, a young Canadian athlete who developed a talent for judo that led him into competition for the world championship at the Tokyo Olympics and subsequent competition at the Pan-American Games. The film shows the intensive judo training Rogers took at a Tokyo college, as well as glimpses of his life in Japan.






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Sunday, January 25, 2015

Joe Louis & Muhammad Ali - 2 of the Greatest! Why?

A few days ago, there was a great conversation about Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali at:


And as with all great conversations, other points were discussed on Jack Blackburn, Ray Arcel, Angelo Dundee, etc.


Read on and Enjoy!



Kawaun Adon
January 21 at 1:33pm · Edited

TWO OF THE GREATEST BOXERS THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN...WHY? GOOD CONVO, LET'S GO.

Joe Louis & Muhammad Ali
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World Boxing Council ‏(@WBCBoxing) on Twitter "The late great Joe Louis and @MuhammadAli. The greatest two heavyweight champions in history ” Via http://t.co/Lw9Zw1bpO @InstantBoxing" 

Douglas Century
Kawaun - Ali brought the grace and footwork in the tradition of Sugar Ray Robinson, while Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, was the most methodical. The power in his short right cross was sheer dynamite. Barney Ross was dear friends with Joe Louis - they were champs at the same time, and Barney's brother told me Joe would have defeated Ali because Joe was so methodical at stalking even the most masterful boxers. It's a great debate - but two of the best ever.
January 21 at 2:39pm · Edited · Unlike · 3

Douglas Century
I just talked at length to Mike Silver, a superb boxing historian and author. Mike edited the Ring, and many other publications, and was a boxer himself out of Stillman's Gym (Google it folks!). Mike also knew Joe Louis. He told me he once asked Joe what was the greatest skill Jack Blackburn (Louis's brilliant trainer) taught him. Without hesitation Joe said: "Balance." Balance was the foundation of everything. With proper balance, a boxer of elite caliber is in position to set up all kinds of combinations; few fighters today have any understanding the kind of footwork/balance Sugar Ray Robinson & Joe Louis mastered. I have more to add but let me shut up now and let others contribute
January 21 at 2:11pm · Edited · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
I would like to hear what our dear friend Thomas Green would to this, Thomas?
January 21 at 2:51pm · Unlike · 1

Kawaun Adon
Stick grappler, let's hear from you aswell on this.
January 21 at 2:56pm · Unlike · 1

Daniel Marks
I would like to add although Louis was more sound as a pure boxer he lacked the adaptability of Ali, the thing is that Joe never faced any of the more rhythmic fighters of his day until he was past his prime, and fading ,but they all gave him hell Jersey Joe played with him Ezzard Charles did a number as well, slick side to side not just coming forward. Ali would have been a problem
January 21 at 3:41pm · Unlike · 2

Douglas Century
Daniel, it's an astounding "what if" - Ali was more adaptable, had more ring generalship, and arguably speed - though Joe was fast as hell. Joe Louis hit harder, no doubt about that. Remember what Frazier said comparing the punching power of Ali and Foreman - he had no fear of Ali's power. But ring-smarts are such an under-appreciated variable. Both were the greatest of their respective eras.
January 21 at 3:49pm · Unlike · 3

Thomas Green
Daniel, I was just about to say that. LOL You beat me to the punch as usual . Here is what I've actually been thinking since Kawaun "called me out" on this. Up front, I know a little bit about martial culture, but not much about technical boxing, and I'm probably answering with my heart rather than my brain. In spite of Doug's solid arguments, I'm going with Ali. Beyond the grace and rhythm that Daniel mentions, Ali could take a punch and could throw a pretty good one as well. Lateral movement is tough for a standup straight ahead boxer like Louis who would be devastating if he could close with Ali. The main advantage, though, is Ali's intellect. Louis wasn't stupid, but Ali beat more than one of his opponents before they stepped into the ring. Check out "When We Were Kings," the documentary of Ali vs. Foreman's rumble in the jungle, to see how to play the pre-fight intimidation game. He kept up the mental game during his fights, also. OK, I'll leave the technical aspects to my colleagues here. This is just my 2 cents. Tag, Stick Grappler and Joseph Svinth! You're it!
January 21 at 4:01pm · Unlike · 4

Daniel Marks
Right Forman broke Joe off, But Ali knocked out Forman made it look easy took the same blows albeit the rope a dope, but 8 rounds later out on his back side
January 21 at 4:08pm · Unlike · 3

Douglas Century
Thomas & Daniel, now you've got me questioning myself, so I'm turning to folks with far more boxing knowledge than me. My late friend Bert Randolph Sugar in his excellent book "Boxing's Greatest Fighters" has Joe Louis at #3 and Ali at #7. No slight to Ali, according to Bert, with "indefatigable patience,"Joe tracked down his prey, and possessed "the fastest hands in the history of the heavyweight division." Finally, "when he had hooked his opponent, Louis - the greatest finisher in the history of boxing - would never let him get away--ask Billy Conn for references." Rest in peace, Bert. For what it's worth Bert - like most of us - has Sugar Ray Robinson untouchable at Number 1 in all weight divisions in history.
January 21 at 4:15pm · Unlike · 3

Douglas Century
As a PS - we'll never know Ali's full greatest because of all those lost years due to refusal to fight in Vietnam - those were his PEAK years, so we'll never know. Honestly, it's like Beatles vs. Rolling Stones or Otis Redding vs. Sam Cooke or Picasso vs. Matisse - we are blessed to have seen their artistry.
January 21 at 4:24pm · Edited · Unlike · 3

Stick Grappler
I was going to post earlier that I was going to copy Doug's comments to my Evernote but got busy with work

I'm but a noob in the martial arts especially boxing history/lore. I was just going to lurk since you all are way more knowledgeable than me in this!

I will add for discussion's sake that I'm more familiar with Ali than Joe Louis. Talking less on the technical-side, with Ali, the people had a charismatic champion who talked the talk but more importantly was able to back it up. He was able to capture the public's attention with his rhymes - he was a showman, an entertainer, and so much more!

His blinding speed perhaps led to bad habits with his non-traditional hands low but he was able to get away with it.

He was powerful but I often think of him as a "punches in bunches" with his blazing speed to overw
helm his opponent and be able to "read" his opponent and spot the opening to land a punishing blow. I've often wondered how fast he thinks! To be able to send signals to his brain to punch and move as fast as he did AND be able to visually pick up opponent's weakness AND capitalize on that opening is a rare fighter in my book. Highest echelons! Despite only making 5 movies and never fought outside of some streetfights, Bruce Lee exhibited the same type of speed and 'processing speed'. But I digress.

Anyway looking to read and learn more from this esteemed assemblage of fighters/minds!

Thank you in advance

January 21 at 4:33pm · Edited · Like · 4

Stick Grappler
I made some gifs of Ali X Brian London
THIS DATE IN HISTORY: Muhammad Ali vs Brian London (Aug 6, 1966)
Posting link to one gif that is incredible
January 21 at 4:29pm · Like · 3 · Remove Preview

Stick Grappler
i marvel at the speed of Ali's punches - I can watch this all day


Also have a gif of the above slowed down
January 21 at 4:30pm · Edited · Like · 3 · Remove Preview

Douglas Century
not to slight Angelo Dundee, but let's remember who taught Joe Louis - this name may not ring many bells today, but he may have been the greatest trainer of his era. He saw a raw talent in Joe Louis - a man with innate knockout power - and molded him into a true boxer-puncher and devastating heavyweight champ. They don't make them like Jack Blackburn anymore http://coxscorner.tripod.com/blackburn.html
January 21 at 4:41pm · Unlike · 3

Douglas Century
In point of fact, Joe Louis started off with fancy dancing (probably more like Ali) but Jack Blackburn had him "unlearn" that to "plant his feet with more authority" and fight in the style that best suited him. *Blackburn came into Louis camp on June 25, 1934 and watched Joe spar. He saw that Louis had natural punching power, something that could not be taught, but he also saw that he was only a puncher at that time and still fairly green. Blackburn speaking of those early days with his young protégé said, July 20, 1935 Pittsburgh Courier, “Louis needed correction in everything except hitting. I had to teach him to back up his punches with the proper timing, accuracy and to instruct him in the proper art of balance. I trained him under the same methods I trained under when I was a fighter.”
January 21 at 4:45pm · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
Thank you Mr Green,as always, insightful and delivered well.
January 21 at 4:50pm · Unlike · 2

Douglas Century
I believe - if Bert Sugar is correct in saying Joe Louis had the fastest hands ever in the heavy division - he may have fought more like Ali, with blinding combos and fancy dancing, but read what Blackburn taught him "Negro" fighters needed to do in those days "Let your fists be the referee" : Blackburn instructed Louis in the art of punching accurately telling him “One clean punch is better than a hundred punches.” He also told him “Negro fighters don’t go to town winning decisions. When you get into the ring, let your fists be the referee. Bide your time. Place your punches and knock your opponent out.” Blackburn taught Louis the art of finishing off an opponent. “Don’t get impatient. Take your time, but move right in. Don’t throw your punches wild, shoot ‘em in straight. Don’t give him a chance to come back.”
January 21 at 4:51pm · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
Anyone from crump martial arts want to chime in? How bout someone from sticks sharp objects?
January 21 at 4:54pm · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
Thank you Stick Grappler, your comment was well timed and placed, adding nicely to the convo.
January 21 at 4:59pm · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
What do you think Ramon cordova,Darnell Wicks,Minkah aha Hu El?
January 21 at 5:04pm · Unlike · 1

Stick Grappler
Sadly I have old man memory although I'm not as 'young' as Prof Green
Deeply honored to be able to soak up (and copy to my Evernote lol) knowledge from everyone here
Thank you!
January 21 at 5:08pm · Like · 3

Kawaun Adon
Thank you stick, for riding with us so long, WE APPRECIATE YOU.
January 21 at 5:15pm · Edited · Unlike · 2

Thomas Green
Definitely, 'young' in quotes. I grew up watching the old Friday Night Fights sponsored by Gillette!
January 21 at 5:27pm · Unlike · 3

Kawaun Adon
Prof Green, truly we value your wisdom.
January 21 at 5:43pm · Unlike · 1

Daniel Marks
Joe's style was subdued for a reason can any of our boxing fan explain why Jack Blackburn made Joe less brash than his predecessor Jack Johnson Jean IFather Colin, Gabe Charboneau,shaphane Shane Nedd speak on it man
January 21 at 5:58pm · Unlike · 4

Thomas Green
Also advised Joe on ladies to be seen with. Didn't want him in jail on trumped up charges.
January 21 at 6:57pm · Unlike · 2

Daniel Marks
Indeed
January 21 at 7:07pm · Unlike · 3

Jean IFather Colin
Peace..great builds. Daniel I'd say one big reason which includes the trumped up charges concern ..Jack Johnson
January 21 at 7:15pm · Edited · Unlike · 3

Daniel Marks
Right but there was something else that motivated Blackburn and the Joe's management
January 21 at 9:45pm · Unlike · 3

Douglas Century
Jackie Robinson was handpicked to break the color line, though many say Josh Gibson was the greatest of the Negro League players (probably better than Babe Ruth as a power hitter). If you saw "42" you know how much racist bullshit Robinson had to eat in order to be palatable to mainstream (white America); similarly, Joe Louis could never showboat, gloat or display any traits that might smack of arrogance in the ring. In that sense, Muhammad Ali is the heir to Jack Johnson's flair and flash and alpha-male style; Joe Louis was groomed to be his polar opposite. And all Americans adored him after he avenged his loss against Schmeling. Not a boxing answer, Daniel, just a societal observation.
January 21 at 10:06pm · Unlike · 3

Daniel Marks
But actually Doug that is the Answer the investors in Joe were afraid that if Joe came off like Jack they wouldn't let him fight. Remember the bum of the month Joe feasted on washed never would have been champion, but none of the black fighters waiting in the wings got a shot until Joe was past his prime and without the title. A great fighter with only one real fight, against a game young man who fought everyone to include three epics ,Ali Frazier, Ali Foreman, and Ali Norten
January 21 at 10:29pm · Unlike · 5

Douglas Century
Indeed, Daniel - but I guess the question is "Does the man make the times or do the times make the man?" Joe couldn't count on refs giving him a clean decision, so had to fight like a destroyer - no slick shit in his game, no trash-talking allowed. Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Norton - they could fight and have a reasonable expectation not to get robbed by the judges. Joe's greatness to me lies in what he represented for his times - Depression-era U.S.A. - and the way in which he could take a loss to a strong fighter like Max Schmeling and then come back and utterly devastate him - BOOM a legendary first-round knockout. Ali was equally "of his times" - but those '60s times included Black Consciousness, awakening pride, and yes loads of trash talking with Bundini Brown: Rumble Young Man Rumble! For me, when an athlete, artist, singer comes to EMBODY his entire era - as both Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali did - they are forever in the pantheon of world historic figures. Great conversation you guys have sparked! Much appreciated.
January 21 at 10:44pm · Edited · Unlike · 4

Thomas Green
Well said, Doug. Brilliant exchange, my friends. It is a privilege to eavesdrop on this.
January 21 at 10:55pm · Unlike · 2

Stick Grappler
Humbling at the knowledge dropped
Props and Respect!
January 21 at 10:59pm · Like · 1

Douglas Century
Thanks, Tom and Stickgrappler - I'm passionate about this because my late father always told me one of the defining moments of his childhood was listening to Schmeling get KO'd by Joe Louis in June 1938 - my pops was 8 years old, and they were all huddled around the one radio. They all felt (especially Jews) that it was a victory against Nazism, though poor Max Schmeling was no Nazi - his manager / promoter Joe Jacobs was Jewish! But that fight unified America for a whole generation - beyond color - and boxing has never been as important to a greater audience. It's generational I suppose; ask anyone over 70 and they'll say Joe Louis changed their lives; ask guys who grew up in the 60s and 70s and they'll say the same about Ali.
January 21 at 11:12pm · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
As I said, Kawaun and D-Marks, as well as Stick Grappler and Thomas Green you had me talking about this most of the afternoon with some of the best boxing minds I know. Here's what I got from the inimitable Mike Silver - who trained and boxed at Stillman's Gym - knew Jack Blackburn, Joe Louis and Ali - and his resume includes writing/editing The Ring Magazine, The New York Times, Boxing Monthly; Mike is also a former boxing promoter, Inspector with the New York State Athletic Commission, and a member of the International Boxing Research Organization. His latest book, THE ARC OF BOXING, has been called "seminal" and a "masterpiece"
Home - Author Mike Silver: Official Homepage
17 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
Here's Mike's opinion, which I'm happy to post here - it's far more astute than mine; I'm sorry this is so much information but Constellation is in the unique position of being able to document and preserve all these voices on Facebook - Stick Grappler please archive this conversation - you never know when we'll have access to so many interesting voices again! Remember, when he's talking about Joe Louis's fight with Billy Conn, this was the epic matchup when Joe Louis told reporters: "He can run but he can't hide." That phrase is still used by everyone, everywhere, but Joe just said it off the cuff - probably from the collective, ancestral wisdom of Jack Blackburn. 17 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
"Doug: Some people think that because Conn gave Louis trouble with his speed and movement that Ali, who was bigger and stronger than Conn, would have done the same. But Conn actually did not fight an Ali style fight, as most people who never really studied that fight believe. He took the fight to Louis in many rounds and instead of backing up he went into Louis with his speed and great boxing ability. He was told by his great trainer Johnny Ray (a Jew of course, real name Pitler) who told him to beat Louis he could not run and jab. Schmeling did not back up, he stayed with Louis looking for an opening. Louis had more trouble (but not for long) with boxers who came into him and did not run. For example Godoy and (for two rounds) Galento. No way would Ali have fought like that. In fact if Conn had hit and run the fight would have been a walkover for Louis because you could not run from Louis--IN LOUIS'S PRIME NO ONE EVER DID IT SUCCESSFULLY. No one could ever jab with Louis either. So, how would Ali, who was a great fighter with his own difficult, one of a kind unorthodox style, combining reflexes, movement, sense of anticipation and good jab have done? I look at the fighters who gave Ali trouble--extreme pressure fighters like Frazier and fighters who threw effective jabs at him which threw his rhythm off--like Ken Norton did every time. Louis was an effective aggressive boxer-puncher who would stalk Ali, and he would be dangerous all the time. Louis had nothing to fear from Ali's punches. The Louis jab would disconcert Ali and disrupt his rhythm. Louis is an underrated boxer. He had wonderful boxing skills. Nevertheless it would not have been an easy fight for Louis mainly because of Ali's speed. Ali's speed was amazing. But again, his hit and run style against Louis would not have been as effective as against other opponents and he would have lost rounds doing that, mostly because of Louis's great jab. It's still a tough fight to call, but I would go with Louis on a decision or knockout from the 5th to the 15th round.
Regards,
Mike"
17 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
On Jack Blackburn - and Ray Arcel - widely regarded as the greatest of all trainers. Between them, we have the collective knowledge going back to the age of Jim Crow & slavecropper's sons (like Joe Louis Barrow & Henry Armstrong) through to the legendary Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran, who Arcel trained as well. Please note Mike's opinion of what would have happened if Jack Blackburn could have trained Ali - he would have been GREATER still....
17 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
"Dear Doug: Blackburn was one of the greatest trainers who ever lived--also one of the greatest fighters. When you watch Louis you are actually seeing a heavyweight clone of Jack Blackburn. He was ahead of his time and a true genius. He was a much better technical trainer than Dundee, who was mainly a great corner man, overall strategist and motivator. A great trainer can develop a green fighter and bring out the talent if he has the potential. Dundee could never have given Louis what Blackburn did. Dundee never developed a fighter from the beginning. The great trainers, like [Charley] Goldman and Jack Blackburn have the knowledge and know how to do that --helps also that they were ex-fighters (although some ex-fighters make awful trainers). Dundee had sound basic knowledge but did not have the overall knowledge of these two. If Blackburn had Clay/Ali from the beginning he would have been an even better fighter!
Arcel had a lot of knowledge and was the best corner man that ever lived. He was also better than ANYONE as a conditioner of fighters. No one was better at that. He, like Dundee, had good basic grounding in boxing skills learned from the great masters of old but I'd give the edge to Arcel. Arcel didn't have the tech knowledge of a Blackburn or Goldman (they were better technical trainers) but he was highly competent and was a wonderful teacher. If you had a son he'd be in safe hands with Arcel. Best regards, Mike."
17 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Douglas Century
Thanks, my friends: You've wrung every drop out of me - and my friends - on this topic of Joe Louis, Jack Blackburn, Muhammad Ali, Angelo Dundee. Real boxing fiends can talk about these "what ifs" for DAYs, but that's all I've got. So now I am OUT. Peace.
17 hrs · Unlike · 1

Daniel Marks
Yes these men were time warriors and when we engage in who what and when, the Guardians of that time have a hard time of letting go. Joe had grit, Ali had savvy , what to do you want in a Boxer. Before Joe Jack Johnson was a part of the Nero Championship and a member of the four horsemen Joe Jennettie, Sam Langford, Sam McVey, once he won the real title, never fought any of them again. The Brown Bomber beat up a lot of bums because our style of boxing was not pleasing even now with Mayweather, slick slipping, bobbing n weaving instead of standing toe to toe in a ring that 6x6 feet long. When Ali fought Sonny ah he's going to be killed in the ring Sonny's to strong, you can't hit what your eye can't see I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Ali understood that to throw strong punches you have to sit down to get leverage, in other words plant your weight, stick and move, an example for the group is to watch the first six rounds of Trinidad and Day LA Hoya, every time Trinidad loaded up dayla hoya was gone, had he been in that mindset for the last six rounds he would have one easily. The Joe Conn fight was more for show, until Conn tried to pull a fast one, Joe was going to carry the favorite as a show of honor decision . Oh well we will never win this agreement but it was fun, most people forget what Ali did to Frazier in their second fight because Ali made it a no contest. Sometimes when your great to play with fire hoping not to get burned.
15 hrs · Unlike · 2

Douglas Century
Word, D. We're all a product of our respective eras. My father cried for joy when Joe Louis knocked out Schmeling; and my first boxing memory was bawling my eyes out when Leon Spinks beat Ali - can't believe that was on FREE television. But I was crying like a baby, I loved Ali so much. My father loved Joe Louis that much. Our memories and passions are all unique - and boxing brings it out better than any other sport (in my opinion).
15 hrs · Edited · Unlike · 1

Stick Grappler
Doug - I was thinking of archiving this thread to my site also! "Great minds think alike ... but fools seldom differ." You are the Great Mind and I'm the Fool!
If no objections, I'll archive to my site
Deepest gratitude in advance!
14 hrs · Edited · Like · 1

Douglas Century
Please archive - if only because Mike Silver is truly a font of knowledge - far beyond my own understanding of boxing. Please save this stuff. But more importantly, as Kawaun and Daniel have asked; PLEASE other members of the group, weigh in the convo. What made Joe & Muhammad all-time greats? Please, we need more voices contributing to this build.
14 hrs · Unlike · 5




For more information, please check out:



Saturday, January 17, 2015

Happy 73rd Birthday to the Greatest!


Today marks the 73rd birthday of the Greatest! 


Posting a pic I found while surfing around... interesting pic with the added lines and comments. Muhammad Ali was released from the hospital Jan 16, 2015 from a severe case of urinary tract infection. Here's hoping for a speedy and healthy recovery!!


Happy Birthday Champ!





Copied from http://www.pdviz.com/the-physics-behind-muhammad-ali-fighting

It's just a picture of a Muhammad Ali fighting. Someone very cleverly added some lines that represent concepts of physics; as past (wrong hit by the opponent), present (the look of Ali) and future (which will hit Ali), as well as the concept of balance and weight distribution.







For more info on The Greatest, please check out: 



For other Muhammad Ali-related posts:



THE WISDOM OF ... Jim Carrey (Full Commencement Address - Video & Transcript)

Source pic:  http://www.mum.edu


Maharishi University of Management (http://www.mum.edu) granted degrees to 285 students representing 54 countries. Jim Carrey gave the commencement address to Maharishi University of Management's class of 2014. The University Board of Trustees also presented Mr. Carrey with the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa, in recognition of his significant lifetime achievements as a world-renowned comedian and actor, artist, author and philanthropist.



8 mins Highlights Jim Carrey's Commencement Address Speech






26 mins Full Speech: Jim Carrey's Commencement Address
(Full transcript below)




Official Commencement Address Graduating Class of 2014
from Maharishi University of Management, May 24th, 2014
by Jim Carrey



Thank you Bevan, thank you all!


I brought one of my paintings to show you today. Hope you guys are gonna be able see it okay. It’s not one of my bigger pieces. You might wanna move down front — to get a good look at it. (kidding)


Faculty, Parents, Friends, Dignitaries... Graduating Class of 2014, and all the dead baseball players coming out of the corn to be with us today. (laughter) After the harvest there’s no place to hide — the fields are empty — there is no cover there! (laughter)


I am here to plant a seed that will inspire you to move forward in life with enthusiastic hearts and a clear sense of wholeness. The question is, will that seed have a chance to take root, or will I be sued by Monsanto and forced to use their seed, which may not be totally “Ayurvedic.” (laughter)


Excuse me if I seem a little low energy tonight — today — whatever this is. I slept with my head to the North last night. (laughter) Oh man! Oh man! You know how that is, right kids? Woke up right in the middle of Pitta and couldn’t get back to sleep till Vata rolled around, but I didn’t freak out. I used that time to eat a large meal and connect with someone special on Tinder. (laughter)


Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you. How do I know this? I don’t, but I’m making sound, and that’s the important thing. That’s what I’m here to do. Sometimes, I think that’s one of the only things that are important. Just letting each other know we’re here, reminding each other that we are part of a larger self. I used to think Jim Carrey is all that I was...


Just a flickering light 

A dancing shadow 

The great nothing masquerading as something you can name

Dwelling in forts and castles made of witches – wishes! Sorry, a Freudian slip there

Seeking shelter in caves and foxholes, dug out hastily

An archer searching for his target in the mirror

Wounded only by my own arrows

Begging to be enslaved

Pleading for my chains

Blinded by longing and tripping over paradise – can I get an “Amen”?! (applause)


You didn’t think I could be serious did ya’? I don't think you understand who you're dealing with! I have no limits! I cannot be contained because I’m the container. You can’t contain the container, man! You can’t contain the container! (laughter)


I used to believe that who I was ended at the edge of my skin, that I had been given this little vehicle called a body from which to experience creation, and though I couldn’t have asked for a sportier model, (laughter) it was after all a loaner and would have to be returned. Then, I learned that everything outside the vehicle was a part of me, too, and now I drive a convertible. Top down wind in my hair! (laughter)


I am elated and truly, truly, truly excited to be present and fully connected to you at this important moment in your journey. I hope you’re ready to open the roof and take it all in?! (audience doesn’t react) Okay, four more years then! (laughter)


I want to thank the Trustees, Administrators and Faculty of MUM for creating an institution worthy of Maharishi’s ideals of education. A place that teaches the knowledge and experience necessary to be productive in life, as well as enabling the students, through Transcendental Meditation and ancient Vedic knowledge to slack off twice a day for an hour and a half!! (laughter) — don’t think you’re fooling me!!! — (applause) but, I guess it has some benefits. It does allow you to separate who you truly are and what’s real, from the stories that run through your head.


You have given them the ability to walk behind the mind’s elaborate set decoration, and to see that there is a huge difference between a dog that is going to eat you in your mind and an actual dog that’s going to eat you. (laughter) That may sound like no big deal, but many never learn that distinction and spend a great deal of their lives living in fight or flight response.


I’d like to acknowledge all you wonderful parents — way to go for the fantastic job you’ve done — for your tireless dedication, your love, your support, and most of all, for the attention you’ve paid to your children. I have a saying, “Beware the unloved,” because they will eventually hurt themselves... or me! (laughter)

But when I look at this group here today, I feel really safe! I do! I’m just going to say it — my room is not locked! My room is not locked! (laughter) No doubt some of you will turn out to be crooks! But white-collar stuff — Wall St. ya’ know, that type of thing — crimes committed by people with self-esteem! Stuff a parent can still be proud of in a weird way. (laughter)


And to the graduating class of 2017 — minus 3! You didn't let me finish! (laughter) — Congratulations! (applause) Yes, give yourselves a round of applause, please. You are the vanguard of knowledge and consciousness; a new wave in a vast ocean of possibilities. On the other side of that door, there is a world starving for new leadership, new ideas.


I’ve been out there for 30 years! She’s a wild cat! (laughter) Oh, she’ll rub up against your leg and purr until you pick her up and start pettin’ her, and out of nowhere she’ll swat you in the face. Sure it’s rough sometimes but that’s OK, ‘cause they’ve got soft serve ice cream with sprinkles! (laughter) I guess that’s what I’m really here to say; sometimes it’s okay to eat your feelings! (laughter)


Fear is going to be a player in your life, but you get to decide how much. You can spend your whole life imagining ghosts, worrying about your pathway to the future, but all there will ever be is what’s happening here, and the decisions we make in this moment, which are based in either love or fear.


So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it. I’m saying, I’m the proof that you can ask the universe for it — please! (applause) And if it doesn't happen for you right away, it’s only because the universe is so busy fulfilling my order. It’s party size! (laughter)


My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn’t believe that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an accountant, and when I was 12 years old, he was let go from that safe job and our family had to do whatever we could to survive.


I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love. (applause)


That’s not the only thing he taught me though: I watched the affect my father’s love and humor had on the world around me, and I thought, “That’s something to do, that’s something worth my time.”


It wasn’t long before I started acting up. People would come over to my house and they would be greeted by a 7 yr old throwing himself down a large flight of stairs. (laughter) They would say, “What happened?” And I would say, “I don't know — let’s check the replay.” And I would go back to the top of the stairs and come back down in slow motion. (Jim reenacts coming down the stairs in slow-mo) It was a very strange household. (laughter) 


My father used to brag that I wasn’t a ham — I was the whole pig. And he treated my talent as if it was his second chance. When I was about 28, after a decade as a professional comedian, I realized one night in LA that the purpose of my life had always been to free people from concern, like my dad. When I realized this, I dubbed my new devotion, “The Church of Freedom From Concern” — “The Church of FFC”— and I dedicated myself to that ministry.


What’s yours? How will you serve the world? What do they need that your talent can provide? That’s all you have to figure out. As someone who has done what you are about to go do, I can tell you from experience, the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is. (applause)


Everything you gain in life will rot and fall apart, and all that will be left of you is what was in your heart. My choosing to free people from concern got me to the top of a mountain. Look where I am — look what I get to do! Everywhere I go – and I’m going to get emotional because when I tap into this, it really is extraordinary to me — I did something that makes people present their best selves to me wherever I go. (applause) I am at the top of the mountain and the only one I hadn’t freed was myself and that’s when my search for identity deepened.


I wondered who I’d be without my fame. Who would I be if I said things that people didn’t want to hear, or if I defied their expectations of me? What if I showed up to the party without my Mardi Gras mask and I refused to flash my breasts for a handful of beads? (laughter) I’ll give you a moment to wipe that image out of your mind. (laughter)


But you guys are way ahead of the game. You already know who you are and that peace, that peace that we’re after, lies somewhere beyond personality, beyond the perception of others, beyond invention and disguise, even beyond effort itself. You can join the game, fight the wars, play with form all you want, but to find real peace, you have to let the armor fall. Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory. (A sheet drops and reveals Jim’s painting. Applause.)


(Re: the painting) It’s not big enough! (kidding) This painting is big for a reason. This painting is called “High Visibility.” (laughter) It’s about picking up the light and daring to be seen. Here’s the tricky part. Everyone is attracted to the light. The party host up in the corner (refers to painting) who thinks unconsciousness is bliss and is always offering a drink from the bottles that empty you; Misery, below her, who despises the light — can’t stand when you’re doing well — and wishes you nothing but the worst; The Queen of Diamonds who needs a King to build her house of cards; And the Hollow One, who clings to your leg and begs, “Please don’t leave me behind for I have abandoned myself.”


Even those who are closest to you and most in love with you; the people you love most in the world can find clarity confronting at times. This painting took me thousands of hours to complete and — (applause) thank you — yes, thousands of hours that I’ll never get back, I’ll never get them back (kidding) — I worked on this for so long, for weeks and weeks, like a mad man alone on a scaffolding — and when I was finished one of my friends said, “This would be a cool black light painting.” (laughter)


So I started over. (All the lights go off in the Dome and the painting is showered with black light.) Whooooo! Welcome to Burning Man! (applause) Some pretty crazy characters right? Better up there than in here. (points to head) Painting is one of the ways I free myself from concern, a way to stop the world through total mental, spiritual and physical involvement. 


But even with that, comes a feeling of divine dissatisfaction. Because ultimately, we’re not the avatars we create. We’re not the pictures on the film stock. We are the light that shines through it. All else is just smoke and mirrors. Distracting, but not truly compelling.


I’ve often said that I wished people could realize all their dreams of wealth and fame so they could see that it’s not where you’ll find your sense of completion. Like many of you, I was concerned about going out in the world and doing something bigger than myself, until someone smarter than myself made me realize that there is nothing bigger than myself! (laughter)


My soul is not contained within the limits of my body. My body is contained within the limitlessness of my soul — one unified field of nothing dancing for no particular reason, except maybe to comfort and entertain itself. (applause) As that shift happens in you, you won’t be feeling the world you’ll be felt by it — you will be embraced by it. Now, I’m always at the beginning. I have a reset button called presence and I ride that button constantly.


Once that button is functional in your life, there’s no story the mind could create that will be as compelling. The imagination is always manufacturing scenarios — both good and bad — and the ego tries to keep you trapped in the multiplex of the mind. Our eyes are not only viewers, but also projectors that are running a second story over the picture we see in front of us all the time. Fear is writing that script and the working title is, ‘I’ll never be enough.’


You look at a person like me and say, (kidding) “How could we ever hope to reach those kinds of heights, Jim? How can I make a painting that's too big for any reasonable home? How do you fly so high without a special breathing apparatus?” (laughter)


This is the voice of your ego. If you listen to it, there will always be someone who seems to be doing better than you. No matter what you gain, ego will not let you rest. It will tell you that you cannot stop until you’ve left an indelible mark on the earth, until you’ve achieved immortality. How tricky is the ego that it would tempt us with the promise of something we already possess.


So I just want you to relax—that’s my job—relax and dream up a good life! (applause) I had a substitute teacher from Ireland in the second grade that told my class during Morning Prayer that when she wants something, anything at all, she prays for it, and promises something in return and she always gets it. I’m sitting at the back of the classroom, thinking that my family can’t afford a bike, so I went home and I prayed for one, and promised I would recite the rosary every night in exchange. Broke it—broke that promise. (laughter)


Two weeks later, I got home from school to find a brand new mustang bike with a banana seat and easy rider handlebars — from fool to cool! My family informed me that I had won the bike in a raffle that a friend of mine had entered my name in, without my knowledge. That type of thing has been happening ever since, and as far as I can tell, it’s just about letting the universe know what you want and working toward it while letting go of how it might come to pass. (applause)


Your job is not to figure out how it’s going to happen for you, but to open the door in your head and when the doors open in real life, just walk through it. Don’t worry if you miss your cue. There will always be another door opening. They keep opening.


And when I say, “life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.” I really don’t know if that’s true. I’m just making a conscious choice to perceive challenges as something beneficial so that I can deal with them in the most productive way. You’ll come up with your own style, that’s part of the fun!


Oh, and why not take a chance on faith as well? Take a chance on faith — not religion, but faith. Not hope, but faith. I don’t believe in hope. Hope is a beggar. Hope walks through the fire. Faith leaps over it.

You are ready and able to do beautiful things in this world and after you walk through those doors today, you will only ever have two choices: love or fear. Choose love, and don’t ever let fear turn you against your playful heart.


Thank you. Jai Guru Dev. I’m so honored. Thank you.





Friday, January 16, 2015

Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching

Continuing my archiving of various translations of the Tao Te Ching, today's post is of Stephen Mitchell's translation.


From Amazon:

Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, is the classic manual on the art of living, and one of the wonders of the world. In eighty-one brief chapters, the Tao Te Ching looks at the basic predicament of being alive and gives advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit. This book is about wisdom in action. It teaches how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao (the basic principle of the universe) and applies equally to good government and sexual love; to child rearing, business, and ecology.


Stephen Mitchell's version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture as it's more readable. Mitchell born 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, is a poet, translator, scholar, and anthologist.






1

The tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name. The unnamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things. Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. Yet mystery and manifestations
arise from the same source.
This source is called darkness. Darkness within darkness.
The gateway to all understanding.



2

When people see some things as beautiful,
other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good,
other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other.
Difficult and easy support each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low depend on each other.
Before and after follow each other. Therefore the Master
acts without doing anything
and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but doesn't possess,
acts but doesn't expect.
When her work is done, she forgets it.
That is why it lasts forever.



3

If you overesteem great men,
people become powerless.
If you overvalue possessions,
people begin to steal. The Master leads
by emptying people's minds
and filling their cores,
by weakening their ambition
and toughening their resolve.
He helps people lose everything
they know, everything they desire,
and creates confusion
in those who think that they know. Practice not-doing,
and everything will fall into place.



4

The Tao is like a well:
used but never used up.
It is like the eternal void:
filled with infinite possibilities. It is hidden but always present.
I don't know who gave birth to it.
It is older than God.



5

The Tao doesn't take sides;
it gives birth to both good and evil.
The Master doesn't take sides;
she welcomes both saints and sinners. The Tao is like a bellows:
it is empty yet infinitely capable.
The more you use it, the more it produces;
the more you talk of it, the less you understand. Hold on to the center.



6

The Tao is called the Great Mother:
empty yet inexhaustible,
it gives birth to infinite worlds. It is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.



7

The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Why is it eternal?
It was never born;
thus it can never die.
Why is it infinite?
It has no desires for itself;
thus it is present for all beings. The Master stays behind;
that is why she is ahead.
She is detached from all things;
that is why she is one with them.
Because she has let go of herself,
she is perfectly fulfilled.



8

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.



9

Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.



10

Can you coax your mind from its wandering
and keep to the original oneness?
Can you let your body become
supple as a newborn child's?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see nothing but the light?
Can you love people and lead them
without imposing your will?
Can you deal with the most vital matters
by letting events take their course?
Can you step back from you own mind
and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue.



11

We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move. We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable. We work with being,
but non-being is what we use.



12

Colors blind the eye.
Sounds deafen the ear.
Flavors numb the taste.
Thoughts weaken the mind.
Desires wither the heart. The Master observes the world
but trusts his inner vision.
He allows things to come and go.
His heart is open as the sky.



13

Success is as dangerous as failure.
Hope is as hollow as fear. What does it mean that success is a dangerous as failure?
Whether you go up the ladder or down it,
you position is shaky.
When you stand with your two feet on the ground,
you will always keep your balance. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear?
Hope and fear are both phantoms
that arise from thinking of the self.
When we don't see the self as self,
what do we have to fear? See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
then you can care for all things.



14

Look, and it can't be seen.
Listen, and it can't be heard.
Reach, and it can't be grasped. Above, it isn't bright.
Below, it isn't dark.
Seamless, unnamable,
it returns to the realm of nothing.
Form that includes all forms,
image without an image,
subtle, beyond all conception. Approach it and there is no beginning;
follow it and there is no end.
You can't know it, but you can be it,
at ease in your own life.
Just realize where you come from:
this is the essence of wisdom.



15

The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance. They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water. Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself? The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting,
she is present, and can welcome all things.



16

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return. Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity. If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.



17

When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised. If you don't trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy. The Master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!"



18

When the great Tao is forgotten,
goodness and piety appear.
When the body's intelligence declines,
cleverness and knowledge step forth.
When there is no peace in the family,
filial piety begins.
When the country falls into chaos,
patriotism is born.



19

Throw away holiness and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice,
and people will do the right thing.
Throw away industry and profit,
and there won't be any thieves. If these three aren't enough,
just stay at the center of the circle
and let all things take their course.



20

Stop thinking, and end your problems.
What difference between yes and no?
What difference between success and failure?
Must you value what others value,
avoid what others avoid?
How ridiculous! Other people are excited,
as though they were at a parade.
I alone don't care,
I alone am expressionless,
like an infant before it can smile. Other people have what they need;
I alone possess nothing.
I alone drift about,
like someone without a home.
I am like an idiot, my mind is so empty. Other people are bright;
I alone am dark.
Other people are sharper;
I alone am dull.
Other people have a purpose;
I alone don't know.
I drift like a wave on the ocean,
I blow as aimless as the wind. I am different from ordinary people.
I drink from the Great Mother's breasts.



21

The Master keeps her mind
always at one with the Tao;
that is what gives her her radiance. The Tao is ungraspable.
How can her mind be at one with it?
Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The Tao is dark and unfathomable.
How can it make her radiant?
Because she lets it. Since before time and space were,
the Tao is.
It is beyond is and is not.
How do I know this is true?
I look inside myself and see.



22

If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up. The Master, by residing in the Tao,
sets an example for all beings.
Because he doesn't display himself,
people can see his light.
Because he has nothing to prove,
people can trust his words.
Because he doesn't know who he is,
people recognize themselves in him.
Because he has no goad in mind,
everything he does succeeds. When the ancient Masters said,
"If you want to be given everything, give everything up,"
they weren't using empty phrases.
Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself.



23

Express yourself completely,
then keep quiet.
Be like the forces of nature:
when it blows, there is only wind;
when it rains, there is only rain;
when the clouds pass, the sun shines through. If you open yourself to the Tao,
you are at one with the Tao
and you can embody it completely.
If you open yourself to insight,
you are at one with insight
and you can use it completely.
If you open yourself to loss,
you are at one with loss
and you can accept it completely. Open yourself to the Tao,
then trust your natural responses;
and everything will fall into place.



24

He who stands on tiptoe
doesn't stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn't go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can't know who he really is.
He who has power over others
can't empower himself.
He who clings to his work
will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go.



25

There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao. It flows through all things,
inside and outside, and returns
to the origin of all things. The Tao is great.
The universe is great.
Earth is great.
Man is great.
These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth.
Earth follows the universe.
The universe follows the Tao.
The Tao follows only itself.



26

The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself. Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.



27

A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is. Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn't reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn't waste anything.
This is called embodying the light. What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man's job?
If you don't understand this, you will get lost,
however intelligent you are.
It is the great secret.



28

Know the male,
yet keep to the female:
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child. Know the white,
yet keep to the black:
be a pattern for the world.
If you are a pattern for the world,
the Tao will be strong inside you
and there will be nothing you can't do. Know the personal,
yet keep to the impersonal:
accept the world as it is.
If you accept the world,
the Tao will be luminous inside you
and you will return to your primal self. The world is formed from the void,
like utensils from a block of wood.
The Master knows the utensils,
yet keeps to the the block:
thus she can use all things.



29

Do you want to improve the world?
I don't think it can be done. The world is sacred.
It can't be improved.
If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it. There is a time for being ahead,
a time for being behind;
a time for being in motion,
a time for being at rest;
a time for being vigorous,
a time for being exhausted;
a time for being safe,
a time for being in danger. The Master sees things as they are,
without trying to control them.
She lets them go their own way,
and resides at the center of the circle.



30

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn't try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
he doesn't need others' approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.



31

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.



32

The Tao can't be perceived.
Smaller than an electron,
it contains uncountable galaxies. If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts. When you have names and forms,
know that they are provisional.
When you have institutions,
know where their functions should end.
Knowing when to stop,
you can avoid any danger. All things end in the Tao
as rivers flow into the sea.



33

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.



34

The great Tao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold on to them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures,
it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.



35

She who is centered in the Tao
can go where she wishes, without danger.
She perceives the universal harmony,
even amid great pain,
because she has found peace in her heart. Music or the smell of good cooking
may make people stop and enjoy.
But words that point to the Tao
seem monotonous and without flavor.
When you look for it, there is nothing to see.
When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear.
When you use it, it is inexhaustible.



36

If you want to shrink something,
you must first allow it to expand.
If you want to get rid of something,
you must first allow it to flourish.
If you want to take something,
you must first allow it to be given.
This is called the subtle perception
of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard.
The slow overcomes the fast.
Let your workings remain a mystery.
Just show people the results.



37

The Tao never does anything,
yet through it all things are done. If powerful men and women
could venter themselves in it,
the whole world would be transformed
by itself, in its natural rhythms.
People would be content
with their simple, everyday lives,
in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire,
all things are at peace.



38

The Master doesn't try to be powerful;
thus he is truly powerful.
The ordinary man keeps reaching for power;
thus he never has enough. The Master does nothing,
yet he leaves nothing undone.
The ordinary man is always doing things,
yet many more are left to be done. The kind man does something,
yet something remains undone.
The just man does something,
and leaves many things to be done.
The moral man does something,
and when no one responds
he rolls up his sleeves and uses force. When the Tao is lost, there is goodness.
When goodness is lost, there is morality.
When morality is lost, there is ritual.
Ritual is the husk of true faith,
the beginning of chaos. Therefore the Master concerns himself
with the depths and not the surface,
with the fruit and not the flower.
He has no will of his own.
He dwells in reality,
and lets all illusions go.



39

In harmony with the Tao,
the sky is clear and spacious,
the earth is solid and full,
all creature flourish together,
content with the way they are,
endlessly repeating themselves,
endlessly renewed. When man interferes with the Tao,
the sky becomes filthy,
the earth becomes depleted,
the equilibrium crumbles,
creatures become extinct. The Master views the parts with compassion,
because he understands the whole.
His constant practice is humility.
He doesn't glitter like a jewel
but lets himself be shaped by the Tao,
as rugged and common as stone.



40

Return is the movement of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao. All things are born of being.
Being is born of non-being.



41

When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn't laugh,
it wouldn't be the Tao. Thus it is said:
The path into the light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak,
true purity seems tarnished,
true steadfastness seems changeable,
true clarity seems obscure,
the greatest are seems unsophisticated,
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the greatest wisdom seems childish. The Tao is nowhere to be found.
Yet it nourishes and completes all things.



42

The Tao gives birth to One.
One gives birth to Two.
Two gives birth to Three.
Three gives birth to all things. All things have their backs to the female
and stand facing the male.
When male and female combine,
all things achieve harmony. Ordinary men hate solitude.
But the Master makes use of it,
embracing his aloneness, realizing
he is one with the whole universe.



43

The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words,
performing without actions:
that is the Master's way.



44

Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success of failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.



45

True perfection seems imperfect,
yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty,
yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked.
True wisdom seems foolish.
True art seems artless. The Master allows things to happen.
She shapes events as they come.
She steps out of the way
and lets the Tao speak for itself.



46

When a country is in harmony with the Tao,
the factories make trucks and tractors.
When a country goes counter to the Tao,
warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear,
no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,
no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear
will always be safe.



47

Without opening your door,
you can open your heart to the world.
Without looking out your window,
you can see the essence of the Tao. The more you know,
the less you understand. The Master arrives without leaving,
sees the light without looking,
achieves without doing a thing.



48

In pursuit of knowledge,
every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao,
every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things,
until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.
It can't be gained by interfering.



49

The Master has no mind of her own.
She works with the mind of the people. She is good to people who are good.
She is also good to people who aren't good.
This is true goodness. She trusts people who are trustworthy.
She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy.
This is true trust. The Master's mind is like space.
People don't understand her.
They look to her and wait. She treats them like her own children.



50

The Master gives himself up
to whatever the moment brings.
He knows that he is going to die,
and her has nothing left to hold on to:
no illusions in his mind,
no resistances in his body.
He doesn't think about his actions;
they flow from the core of his being.
He holds nothing back from life;
therefore he is ready for death,
as a man is ready for sleep
after a good day's work.



51

Every being in the universe
is an expression of the Tao.
It springs into existence,
unconscious, perfect, free,
takes on a physical body,
lets circumstances complete it.
That is why every being
spontaneously honors the Tao. The Tao gives birth to all beings,
nourishes them, maintains them,
cares for them, comforts them, protects them,
takes them back to itself,
creating without possessing,
acting without expecting,
guiding without interfering.
That is why love of the Tao
is in the very nature of things.



52

In the beginning was the Tao.
All things issue from it;
all things return to it. To find the origin,
trace back the manifestations.
When you recognize the children
and find the mother,
you will be free of sorrow. If you close your mind in judgements
and traffic with desires,
your heart will be troubled.
If you keep your mind from judging
and aren't led by the senses,
your heart will find peace. Seeing into darkness is clarity.
Knowing how to yield is strength.
Use your own light
and return to the source of light.
This is called practicing eternity.



53

The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper
While farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn-
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.



54

Whoever is planted in the Tao
will not be rooted up.
Whoever embraces the Tao
will not slip away.
Her name will be held in honor
from generation to generation. Let the Tao be present in your life
and you will become genuine.
Let it be present in your family
and your family will flourish.
Let it be present in your country
and your country will be an example
to all countries in the world.
Let it be present in the universe
and the universe will sing. How do I know this is true?
By looking inside myself.



55

He who is in harmony with the Tao
is like a newborn child.
Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak,
but its grip is powerful.
It doesn't know about the union
of male and female,
yet its penis can stand erect,
so intense is its vital power.
It can scream its head off all day,
yet it never becomes hoarse,
so complete is its harmony. The Master's power is like this.
He lets all things come and go
effortlessly, without desire.
He never expects results;
thus he is never disappointed.
He is never disappointed;
thus his spirit never grows old.



56

Those who know don't talk.
Those who talk don't know. Close your mouth,
block off your senses,
blunt your sharpness,
untie your knots,
soften your glare,
settle your dust.
This is the primal identity. Be like the Tao.
It can't be approached or withdrawn from,
benefited or harmed,
honored or brought into disgrace.
It gives itself up continually.
That is why it endures.



57

If you want to be a great leader,
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts,
and the world will govern itself. The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be. Therefore the Master says:
I let go of the law,
and people become honest.
I let go of economics,
and people become prosperous.
I let go of religion,
and people become serene.
I let go of all desire for the common good,
and the good becomes common as grass.



58

If a country is governed with tolerance,
the people are comfortable and honest.
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty. When the will to power is in charge,
the higher the ideals, the lower the results.
Try to make people happy,
and you lay the groundwork for misery.
Try to make people moral,
and you lay the groundwork for vice. Thus the Master is content
to serve as an example
and not to impose her will.
She is pointed, but doesn't pierce.
Straightforward, but supple.
Radiant, but easy on the eyes.



59

For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation. The mark of a moderate man
is freedom from his own ideas.
Tolerant like the sky,
all-pervading like sunlight,
firm like a mountain,
supple like a tree in the wind,
he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way. Nothing is impossible for him.
Because he has let go,
he can care for the people's welfare
as a mother cares for her child.



60

Governing a large country
is like frying a small fish.
You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao
and evil will have no power.
Not that it isn't there,
but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose
and it will disappear by itself.



61

When a country obtains great power,
it becomes like the sea:
all streams run downward into it.
The more powerful it grows,
the greater the need for humility.
Humility means trusting the Tao,
thus never needing to be defensive. A great nation is like a great man:
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts. If a nation is centered in the Tao,
if it nourishes its own people
and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others,
it will be a light to all nations in the world.



62

The Tao is the center of the universe,
the good man's treasure,
the bad man's refuge. Honors can be bought with fine words,
respect can be won with good deeds;
but the Tao is beyond all value,
and no one can achieve it. Thus, when a new leader is chosen,
don't offer to help him
with your wealth or your expertise.
Offer instead
to teach him about the Tao. Why did the ancient Masters esteem the Tao?
Because, being one with the Tao,
when you seek, you find;
and when you make a mistake, you are forgiven.
That is why everybody loves it.



63

Act without doing;
work without effort.
Think of the small as large
and the few as many.
Confront the difficult
while it is still easy;
accomplish the great task
by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great;
thus she achieves greatness.
When she runs into a difficulty,
she stops and gives herself to it.
She doesn't cling to her own comfort;
thus problems are no problem for her.



64

What is rooted is easy to nourish.
What is recent is easy to correct.
What is brittle is easy to break.
What is small is easy to scatter. Prevent trouble before it arises.
Put things in order before they exist.
The giant pine tree
grows from a tiny sprout.
The journey of a thousand miles
starts from beneath your feet. Rushing into action, you fail.
Trying to grasp things, you lose them.
Forcing a project to completion,
you ruin what was almost ripe. Therefore the Master takes action
by letting things take their course.
He remains as calm
at the end as at the beginning.
He has nothing,
thus has nothing to lose.
What he desires is non-desire;
what he learns is to unlearn.
He simply reminds people
of who they have always been.
He cares about nothing but the Tao.
Thus he can care for all things.



65

The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know. When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way. If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
Content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way
back to their own true nature.



66

All streams flow to the sea
because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people,
you must learn how to follow them. The Master is above the people,
and no one feels oppressed.
She goes ahead of the people,
and no one feels manipulated.
The whole world is grateful to her.
Because she competes with no one,
no one can compete with her.



67

Some say that my teaching is nonsense.
Others call it lofty but impractical.
But to those who have looked inside themselves,
this nonsense makes perfect sense.
And to those who put it into practice,
this loftiness has roots that go deep. I have just three things to teach:
simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and in thoughts,
you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.



68

The best athlete
wants his opponent at his best.
The best general
enters the mind of his enemy.
The best businessman
serves the communal good.
The best leader
follows the will of the people. All of the embody
the virtue of non-competition.
Not that they don't love to compete,
but they do it in the spirit of play.
In this they are like children
and in harmony with the Tao.



69

The generals have a saying:
"Rather than make the first move
it is better to wait and see.
Rather than advance an inch
it is better to retreat a yard." This is called
going forward without advancing,
pushing back without using weapons. There is no greater misfortune
than underestimating your enemy.
Underestimating your enemy
means thinking that he is evil.
Thus you destroy your three treasures
and become an enemy yourself. When two great forces oppose each other,
the victory will go
to the one that knows how to yield.



70

My teachings are easy to understand
and easy to put into practice.
Yet your intellect will never grasp them,
and if you try to practice them, you'll fail. My teachings are older than the world.
How can you grasp their meaning? If you want to know me,
look inside your heart.



71

Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health. The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.
Thus she is truly whole.



72

When they lose their sense of awe,
people turn to religion.
When they no longer trust themselves,
they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back
so that people won't be confused.
He teaches without a teaching,
so that people will have nothing to learn.



73

The Tao is always at ease.
It overcomes without competing,
answers without speaking a word,
arrives without being summoned,
accomplishes without a plan. Its net covers the whole universe.
And though its meshes are wide,
it doesn't let a thing slip through.



74

If you realize that all things change,
there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren't afraid of dying,
there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter's place.
When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.



75

When taxes are too high,
people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive,
people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit.
Trust them; leave them alone.



76

Men are born soft and supple;
dead, they are stiff and hard.
Plats are born tender and pliant;
dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible
is a disciple of death.
Whoever is soft and yielding
is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken.
The soft and supple will prevail.



77

As it acts in the world, the Tao
is like the bending of a bow.
The top is bent downward;
the bottom is bent up.
It adjusts excess and deficiency
so that there is perfect balance.
It takes from what is too much
and give to what isn't enough. Those who try to control,
who use force to protect their power,
go against the direction of the Tao.
They take from those who don't have enough
and give to those who have far too much. The Master can keep giving
because there is no end to her wealth.
She acts without expectation,
succeeds without taking credit,
and doesn't think that she is better
than anyone else.



78

Nothing in the world
is as soft and yielding as water.
Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible,
nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard;
the gentle overcomes the rigid.
Everyone knows this is true,
but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains
serene in the midst of sorrow.
Evil cannot enter his heart.
Because he has given up helping,
he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.



79

Failure is an opportunity.
If you blame someone else,
there is no end to the blame. Therefore the Master
fulfills her own obligations
and corrects her own mistakes.
She does what she needs to do
and demands nothing of others.



80

If a country is governed wisely,
its inhabitants will be content.
They enjoy the labor of their hands
and don't waste time inventing
labor-saving machines.
Since they dearly love their homes,
they aren't interested in travel.
There may be a few wagons and boats,
but these don't go anywhere.
There may be an arsenal of weapons,
but nobody ever uses them.
People enjoy their food,
take pleasure in being with their families,
spend weekends working in their gardens,
delight in the doings of the neighborhood.
And even though the next country is so close
that people can hear its roosters crowing and its dogs barking,
they are content to die of old age
without ever having gone to see it.



81

True words aren't eloquent;
eloquent words aren't true.
Wise men don't need to prove their point;
men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others,
the happier he is.
The more he gives to others,
the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating, the Master leads.




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NOTE:  Copied from http://eawc.evansville.edu/anthology/tao.htm

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Stickgrappler's Sojourn of Septillion Steps