Worthy to be named
Motherly and good-natured
But does not take the form of an infant
And does not act as a woman
Likes everyone, including strangers
Resists those who are not resolutely resolute
Therefore he is named the DAO
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind
of the people his mind.
2. To those who are good (to me), I am good; and to those who are not
good (to me), I am also good;--and thus (all) get to be good. To
those who are sincere (with me), I am sincere; and to those who are
not sincere (with me), I am also sincere;--and thus (all) get to be
sincere.
3. The sage has in the world an appearance of indecision, and keeps
his mind in a state of indifference to all. The people all keep their
eyes and ears directed to him, and he deals with them all as his
children.