Tao is unique. Tao itself contains Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang interact to form a balanced state. All things are born in this state. All things turn their backs on the shade and face the sun. In the mutual stimulation of Yin and Yang, they form a new harmonious body. What people hate most is “lonely”, “widowed”, and “unworthy”, but the kings and nobles use these words to call themselves. Therefore, if you reduce everything, you will gain more; if you increase it, you will lose it. Others taught me this, and I teach others this way. The violent person will die without a place to live. I take this sentence as the purpose of my teaching.
道是独一无二的，道本身包含阴阳二气，阴阳二气相交而形成一种适匀的状态，万物在这种状态中产生。万物背阴而向阳，并且在阴阳二气的互相激荡而成新的和谐体。人们最厌恶的就是“孤”、“寡”、“不谷”，但王公却用这些字来称呼自己。所以一切事物，如果减损它却反而得到增加；如果增加它却反而得到减损。别人这样教导我，我也这样去教导别人。强暴的人死无其所。我把这句话当作施教的宗旨。
第四十二章
道生一，
一生二，
二生三，
三生万物。
万物负阴而抱阳，
冲气以为和。
人之所恶，
唯孤、寡不毂，
而王公以为称。
故物或损之而益，
或益之而损。
人之所教，
我亦教之，
强梁者不得其死。
吾将以为教父。
Chapter 42
The Way begot one,
And the one, two;
Then the two begot three
And three, all else.
All things bear the shade on their backs
And the sun in their arms;
By the blending of breath
From the sun and the shade,
Equilibrium comes to the world.
Orphaned, or needy, or desolate, these
Are conditions much feared and disliked;
Yet in public address, the king
And the nobles account themselves thus.
So a loss sometimes benefits one
Or a benefit proves to be loss.
What others have taught
I also shall teach:
If a violent man does not come
To a violent death,
I shall choose him to teach me.
