4. Lao Tsu – The Tao Te Ching

Original language: Classical Chinese.

I read the David Hall and Roger Ames translation.

My original chronology had the Tao Te Ching at the 6th century BC.

Hall and Ames date the book to 403-221 BC. They also say that Lao Tsu didn’t exist, he’s just the name of the author by tradition.

First of all, the commentary in this edition is a great big load of crap. I like the text, though. I don’t need the commentary to tell me what to think.  

“Extend your utmost emptiness as far as you can.”  I do like the text and I find it poetic. And I do like the translation, so I can’t totally criticize Ames and Hall.