The sage is circumspect, yet often has dire omens.
One who lets things get ahead of their time fears no calamity.
Doctrines of the world seem harmless, but when carried out,
they cause an explosion.
Everyone wants things to be simple and easy.
Those who do not think ahead can be counted on to blow things up.
One who values simplicity cannot be trusted.
He who thinks himself indispensable must realize that there is another in
them all.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. (The Tao) which originated all under the sky is to be
considered as the mother of them all.
2. When the mother is found, we know what her children should be.
When one knows that he is his mother's child, and proceeds to guard
(the qualities of) the mother that belong to him, to the end of his
life he will be free from all peril.
3. Let him keep his mouth closed, and shut up the portals (of his
nostrils), and all his life he will be exempt from laborious exertion.
Let him keep his mouth open, and (spend his breath) in the promotion
of his affairs, and all his life there will be no safety for him.
4. The perception of what is small is (the secret of) clear-sightedness;
the guarding of what is soft and tender is (the secret of) strength.
5.
Who uses well his light,
Reverting to its (source so) bright,
Will from his body ward all blight,
And hides the unchanging from men's sight.