The Tao, Chapter 77

The Tao, Chapter 77 The Tao of Heaven works in the worldlike the drawing of a bow.The top is bent downward;the bottom is bent up.The excess is taken from,and the deficient is given to. The Tao works to use the excess,and gives to that which is depleted.The way of people is to take from the depleted,and give to those who already have an excess. Who is able to give to the needy from their excess?Only someone who is following the way of the Tao. This is why the Master givesexpecting nothing in return.She does not dwell on her past accomplishments,and does not glory in any praise. -- Translated by J. H. McDonald