I have read better translations of the classic text than this one.

A literally and easy to read version of the The Tao Te Ching

I have read many translations and commentaries on the Tao Te Ching but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The wisdom is profound and one can read this many times and always find something new.

i found this quite hard to read - not really my cup of tea

The issue with a transformative book like the Tao Te Chin ( or the Bible or the Holly Quran ) lies within the traduction and interpretation being made of its texts.
To just quote the Tao itself “to name is to restrict” and the translation names every aspect of every line.
This particular translation did not work for me at all. It is very melodic but so far from previous versions that I found myself lost in translation.
Unfortunately I do not speak/read Chinese hence I have to rely on someone else interpretation of the transcendent book, and again this particular free interpretation in verses and poetic freedom did not convey the essence I was expected of the Tao te Chin.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Watkins Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Being completely unfamiliar with Lao Tzu, I had zero expectations with this book. There were a few statements in the introduction that baffled me and left me thinking, "wow, this is going to be completely over my head". The book is divided into two parts: The Book of Tao (The Path) and the Book of Te (The practice or the virtue).

The introduction, translation and commentaries are by Ralph Alan Dale. And he translates Tao Te Ching as "A Guide to the Theory and Practice of the Great Integrity".

Fortunately, the essays and commentaries are easy to follow and somehow provide a certain graceful and peaceful feeling. I found myself thinking that each of the 81 essays were be fine to use as a medication tool, ie: reading one essay per day.

There's definite holistic wisdom that has stayed through the ages. For instance, the spiritual authors of today often use the same metaphors and sage advice from thousands of years ago. Why? Because the truth never changes.

Other than the introduction, I very much enjoyed the lessons taught here and will put this on my to be re-read frequently shelf as there are many thoughts and words as "continuing education" book.

*A digital ARC of this book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This is a reprint of Ralph Alan Dale's version originally published in 2002. I have read other translations of the Tao but it has been so long I cannot truly compare one to the other. However, this is the first version I have read that included commentary after each verse. I liked Dale's translations of the verses and found his commentary interesting even though I did not necessarily agree with all of his interpretations. Verses 17 and 18 really struck me for the first time, given the current political climate. Overall, an interesting take on a philosophical classic.

This is a very interesting version of the Tao Te Ching for several reasons, foremost among them the transparency of the translator and his honesty when pointing out how he has "updated" or clarified the meaning of some of the verses or parts thereof for the contemporary reader to grasp the meaning of what he considers Lao Tzu wanted to say.
On the other hand, what I like about the book is that in addition to the translation of the original Chinese text, the author provides a commentary to all of the verses in which he gives his opinion on what the teachings of Lao Tzu can tell us today and on what the original author intended to say. For instance, the notion of Wu Wei or doing through non-doing is frequently misunderstood by some readers of the Tao Te Ching, and the translator -in my opinion- well clarifies that the notion is not about laziness or intertia but rather about not "coercing" or forcing things, but rather doings things on time and in accordance with "the flow".
While I disagree on some aspects with the translator's ideas, which is natural, many of his insights are quite inspiring. For instance, he argues how we have a tendency to rationalize and justify exploitation, and actually the idea of social inequality is one of his main concerns throughout the text. On the other hand, he advocates for some sort of social awakening or revolution, in which people take advantage or what technology allows us to do in terms of cooperation rather than using it for coercion purposes.
Another interesting insight for me as an international lawyer, considering how in my discipline notions of "just war" or self-defence have been relevant throughout history, is how in addition to force only being legitimate in self-defence, it must be conducted without hatred of the other. This is tied to the notion of fragmentation in our current understanding of the world and handling of society, since the author mentions -and I agree- that overfocusing on nationalities and differences lead to a non-holistic and problematic life. Love, moderation and humility are the three treasures of the 'Great Integrity', and require among others a good society to permit everyone to enjoy them. Overall, this is a great book that clarifies aspects of the original text and permits readers to know what the translator suggests. He refers to the utopia of Lao Tzu frequently, and while he says many of his dreams are achievable now because of our current possibilities, some of his insights still sound utopian, but that is not per se a bad thing. Dreams can make us change and progress.

Such a great book club read with life reflection abound! Lovely reread that I will read again and again for years to come.

Solid translation of the Tao Te Ching by Ralph Allen Dale, but the real treasure is the translator's commentary. The Tao Te Ching outlines the principles of Taoism, which centers around the idea that we are all one and finding balance in the universe with the ebb and flow of life. The book is written in verse which is lovely, but often a bit cryptic. The commentary is a wonderful addition and could stand alone as a volume of study, much as Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love, a commentary on A Course in Miracles is a solid study in itself.

"Lao Tzu’s message to us is that we do not have to continue to live in contradiction to nature and to our human nature. We can live in accordance with the Great Integrity. For him, it was a remarkable insight and a utopian dream. For us, we have a choice – and not much time to make our decision – either we find our loving hearts, dreams and alternatives in Lao Tzu’s Great Integrity or we will be the first species to become extinct through our own self-induced absurdity."

I enjoyed this book and it resonated with me deeply. If you're concerned about the future of mankind and the direction we're going then read this. It gives me hope that we will come together, realize we are all one, and save ourselves before it's too late. We can become loving people who share, who break down the walls between us, and live in peace, prosperity, community, and love, if only we choose to do so. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.