the way flows and ebbs, creating and destroying,

implementing all the world, attending to the tiniest details,

claiming nothing in return.

it nurtures all things,

though it does not control them;

it has no intention,

so it seems inconsequential.

it is the substance of all things;

though it does not control them;

it has no exception,

so it seems all-important. the sage would not control the world;

he is in harmony with the world.