The Way of Life by Lao Tzu changed my life.
I only read it once, as part of college studies in the history of religion, around 1970. I will have to re-read it to see if the breadcrumb trail is there at all, but as I recall the book was the foundation of a philosophy called "the middle way." To avoid excess or zealotry, to embrace the path rather than yearn for the goal, to seek moderation and not the extreme...these are the things I remember, and I wonder how far I am from what is actually there.
Mine is an English translation by Wittner Bynner, copyright 1944, a Capricorn Books paperback from 1962. Only 81 stanzas, just 75 pages even with Bynner's intruduction, and many lovely black-and-white illustrations.
Less can truly be more.
About Me
- Ted Knight
- I'm retired from careers in broadcasting and bookkeeping. I have great intelligence and endless cutiosity. I wiall thosethoueandsnds of books and songs and movies I remember could have left a trail of breadcrumbs. Then I'd have some idea why one thing led to another, but this virtual diary will have to do. Lately websites, blogs and podcasts are popping up along the way too. It's all about the new connections that are possible and indeed happening, an exc/iting time to be alive. I': m a widower and have survived three strokesforvcing me to retire from music. Now I'm clawing my way back.nmeanwhile I wonder about stuff, and read.
No comments:
Post a Comment