Customer Reviews

The Way of Lao Tzu

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This translation of the Tao-te ching was made in 1963 by a Chinese scholar and professor of philosophy and religion. I believe I have checked out most other translations, and think this is the one to consider. It has a degree of precision and poetry not found elsewhere, and for those who want scholarship, there are notes, commentary and references. Consider these two passages: "For to praise victory is to delight in the slaughter of men"; and "The best (rulers) are those whose existence is (merely) known by the people."

I was searching for the best scholarly researched and easily accessible book on Lao Tzu's Taoism, and I can't but help that the best translation (and commentary) is by Wing-Tsit Chan. Because of the translator's enlightening, clear way of explaining most of the passages, I was able to understand Taoism as a philosophy instead of a mere "self-help" tool like most of the translations I have seen. The translator is critical of the passages like a professional philosopher and scholar should, and also begins with a long introductory essay about the origins, a summary on Taoism's main points of view, the supposed author, and under the context the book was written.

It definitely convinced me that Taoism is a wonderful school of thought, and perhaps make you a true believer in its principles.

I used to peruse through bookstores looking at the different translations of the Tao-te ching--specifically the first chapter. Wing-Tsit Chan just blows you away right off the bat. The other often-read translators don't even come close, IMO.