第32章 · 原文
现代白话译文
道永远是没有名称的。朴虽然微小，天下没有谁能使它服从。侯王如果能守住它，万物将会自然地服从他。天地之间阴阳之气相合，就降下甘露，百姓没有谁命令它，它自然均匀。管理万物开始有了名称，名称既然有了，就要知道适可而止，知道适可而止就可以没有危险。比如道存在于天下，就像江河溪流归于大海一样。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
The way is for ever nameless. Though the uncarved block is small No one in the world dare claim its allegiance. Should lords and princes be able to hold fast to it The myriad creatures would submit of their own accord, Heaven and earth would unite and sweet dew would fall, And the people would be equitable, though no one so decrees. Only when it is cut are there names. As soon as there are names One ought to know that it is time to stop. Knowing when to stop one can be free from danger. The way is to the world as the River and the Sea are to rivulets and streams.
Robert Henricks
1. The Dao is constantly nameless. 2. Though in its natural state it seems small, no one in the world dares to treat it as a subject. 3. Were marquises and kings able to maintain it, 4. The ten thousand things would submit to them on their own, 5. And Heaven and Earth would unite to send forth sweet dew. 6. By nature it would fall equally on all things, with no one among the people ordering that it be so. 7. As soon as we start to establish a system, we have names. 8. And as soon as there are set names, 9. Then you must also know that it's time to stop. 10. By knowing to stop — in this way you'll come to no harm. 11. The Way's presence in the world 12. Is like the relationship of small valley [streams] to rivers and seas.
Addiss & Lombardo
The way is ever nameless. Though simplicity is small, the world cannot subordinate it. If lords and kings can hold to it, the ten thousand things will submit themselves. Heaven and earth join together to send down sweet dew, not commanded by people but naturally equal. When there is division, names arise. When names have arisen, know also to stop. Knowing to stop prevents danger. It is like the way in the world, like the streams and valleys flowing into rivers and seas.
Arthur Waley
Tao is eternal, but has no fame (name); The Uncarved Block, though seemingly of small account, Is greater than anything that is under heaven. If kings and barons would but possess themselves of it, The ten thousand creatures would flock to do them homage; Heaven-and-earth would conspire To send Sweet Dew, Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony. Once the block is carved, there will be names, And so soon as there are names, Know that it is time to stop. Only by knowing when it is time to stop can danger be avoided. To Tao all under heaven will come As streams and torrents flow into a great river or sea.
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
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.