[Note: I italicize phrases I borrow from the chapter, and link to phrases I borrow from other chapters to help tie chapters together. While making it more tedious to read, the Tao Te Ching is best pondered in the context of the whole.]

‘When the people lack a proper sense of awe, then some awful visitation will descend upon them’ can be viewed in two ways. A literal meaning corresponds to the ‘angry God’ of fundamentalist type religions, Christian or otherwise, that preach a literal form of punishment awaiting those who lack a proper sense of awe vis-à-vis their deity. I reckon this results from an instinctive tribal fear of the alpha male ‘boss’ / 'father figure'.

Personally, I see this as a description of what happens to us emotionally when we lack a proper sense of awe vis-à-vis that which is naturally so. The more we live in a world of expectations and ideals the easier it is to lose that gut level sense of awe. Reality rarely matches our ideals and so we are constantly thrown off balance by some awful visitation of reality.

Then also there are the very practical visitations that descend upon us because we lacked the proper sense of awe and respect for nature. Global warming is definitely one profound visitation resulting from the lack of a proper sense of awe. I recall being rather upset back in the mid 80’s when it seemed certain we were headed toward this warming and yet I noticed most folks lacked any sense of awe… oops! Why was I upset? I still ‘believed’ in free will. Realizing finally that we have none puts me at ease. Truth is, we only react to circumstances – the more dire the greater the reaction. Reacting to hypothetical circumstances no matter how high the probability is neigh impossible. After all, we are simply ‘dumb animals’ like any other .

Do not constrict their living space; do not press down on their means of livelihood is a Taoist kind-word in favor of a free market economy. I guess, politically speaking, the Libertarian view would appeal more to a Taoist frame of mind than either a ‘liberal left’ or ‘conservative right’ point of view. Although, I suppose a truly Libertarian system would only work after the people return to the use of the knotted rope. I won’t hold my breath!

Closer to home, ‘It is because you do not press down on them that they will not weary of the burden’ was the basic model I followed in raising my sons. Any other approach generates unintended consequences as they increasingly weary of the burden.

Now for this weeks translation attempt. Perhaps I’ll do better next time around, i.e., 81 weeks from now. Actually most of it is fine; it is just the ‘Man only not detests, because of this not detests’ that is a bump in the road for me.

Translated, more or less:
When the people don't fear power,
Normally great power arrives.
Without meddling with their dwelling place,
Without detesting their existence.
Man only not detests,
Because of this not detests.
Because of this the wise person,
Knows himself without seeing himself.
Loves himself without valuing himself.
Hence, gets rid of one and seeks the other.

Translated, less than more:
people not fear power (impressive strength),
norm (rule, imitate; follow) big (great) power (impressive strength) arrive (most, to, until, extremely).
nothing (nil; without) be improperly familiar with their place reside (dwell; live; residence),
nothing (nil; without) be disgusted with (detest; be fed up with) their place existence (life).
man only (alone) not be disgusted with (detest; be fed up with),
this use (take; because of; so as to; as well as) not be disgusted with (detest; be fed up with).
this use (take; because of; so as to; as well as) wise person,
self (oneself; one's own; certainly) know (realize; inform) not self (oneself; one's own; certainly) see (catch sight of, become visible).
self (oneself; one's own; certainly) love (like; be fond of; treasure) not self (oneself; one's own; certainly) expensive ( valuable; precious; noble).
happening (cause; hence) go (get ride of) those (the other) get (seek) this