道德經上篇:《道經》
第五章
【原文】
天地不仁①,以萬物為芻(chú)狗②。聖人不仁,以百姓為芻狗。天地之間,其猶橐(tuó)龠(yuè)乎③?虛而不屈,動而愈出。多言數窮⑧,不如守中⑤。
【注釋】
①仁:仁愛、仁慈。
②芻(chú)狗:用野草紮成的狗,古人祭祀時用,用後即扔。芻,野草。
③橐(tuó)龠(yuè):古代的風箱。
④數:通“速”。
⑤中:適中的意思。
【譯文】
天地無所謂仁愛,對待萬物像對待祭祀時草紮的小狗一樣,任憑萬物自然生長;有道的人無所謂仁愛,對待百姓也如同對待芻狗一樣,任憑百姓自己發展。天和地之間,不就像一個風箱嗎?雖然中空但永無窮盡,越鼓動風量便愈多,生生不息。政令名目繁多反而會加速國家的敗亡,不如保持虛靜。天地不仁,以萬物為芻狗。
English Translation
Version 1:by Daniel Baida Su and Shangyu Chen
Heaven and earth have no regard for benevolence;
They view all creatures as straw dogs offered to God.
Nor does the Holy One have regard for benevolence;
He likewise views common people as straw dogs.
The space between Heaven and earth—is it not like a bellows?
Still and inexhaustible—
The more it moves, the more wind it creates.
Many words lead to failure;
It is better to be restrained.
Version 2:by John C. H. Wu