第40章 · 原文
现代白话译文
循环往复是道的运动方式，柔弱胜刚强是道的应用特性。天下万物产生于有形之物，而有形之物又产生于无形之道。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
Turning back is how the way moves; Weakness is the means the way employs. The myriad creatures in the world are born from Something, and Something from Nothing.
Robert Henricks
1. "Reversal" is the movement of the Dao; 2. "Weakness" is the function of the Dao. 3. The things of the world originate in being, 4. And being originates in nonbeing.
Addiss & Lombardo
Reversal is the movement of the way. Weakness is the use of the way. The ten thousand things are born from being, and being is born from non-being.
Arthur Waley
In Tao the only motion is returning; The only useful quality, weakness. For though all creatures under heaven are the products of Being, Being itself is the product of Not-being.
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
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.