40.
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.
41.
When a superior man hears the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it. When an average man hears the Tao, he half believes it and half doubts it. When a foolish man hears the Tao, he laughs out loud. If he didn't laugh it wouldn't be the Tao. Thus it is said the path into the light seems dark. The path forward seems to go back. The direct path seems long. True power seems weak. True purity seems tarnishes. True steadfastness seems changeable. True clarity seems obscure. The greatest art seems sophisticated. The greatest love seems indifferent. The greatest wisdom seems childish. The Tao is no where to be found, yet it nourishes and completes all things.
42.
The Tao gives birth to 1.
1 gives birth to 2
2 gives birth to 3
3 gives birth to all things.
All things have their backs to the female and stand facing the male. When male and female combine all things achieve harmony. Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it. Embracing his aloneness realizing he is one with the universe.
43.
The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance enters where there is no space. This shows the value of non action. Teaching without words, performing without actions.
That is the Master's way.
44.
Fame or integrity which is more important? Money or happiness which is more valuable?
Success or failure which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have. Rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking the whole world belongs to you.
45.
True perfection seems imperfect yet it is perfectly itself. True fullness seems empty yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked. True wisdom seems foolish. True art seems artless. The Master allows things to happen. She shapes things as they come. She steps out of the way and lets the Tao speak for itself.
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