January 2009

Commentary

The first three lines introduce the principle and the fourth brings it home: ‘Hence, of having what is thought favorable, of nothing think as the useful’. Appreciating the fundamental virtue of Nothing is a profound challenge. We are innately (instinctively, biologically) drawn to the ‘somethings‘ in life. We value life over death, superior or inferior, merit over inadequacy – in other words survival and success. Likewise, we fear failure; we want to go directly to success. We buy lottery tickets.

I find that recognizing and even embracing the ‘failures and mistakes’ part of life’s journey makes life easier to understand and easier to put into practice. Contending with the inevitable spirit of the valley, on the other hand, simply increases the difficulty. Ironically, the desire to avoid difficulty leads to difficulty. In losing I gain, in gaining I lose. Only of the nothing think as the useful. Now, that’s what I call true justice.

Translation

Thirty widths share one hub, out of its nothing, exists the useful vehicle.
Mix water with clay soil, think utensil, out of its nothing exists the useful utensil.
Cut out a door and window, think room, out of its nothing exists the useful room.
Hence, of having what is thought favorable, of the nothing think as the useful.

three (more than two; several; many) ten (topmost) width of cloth (size, extent) share (together; all) one hub, equal (out; should; regard as) his (its; their; that; such) nothing (nil; without; not), have (there is; exist) vehicle (machine) of use (apply).

mix water with clay soil think (believe; consider that) implement (utensil), equal (out; should; regard as) his (its; their; that; such) nothing (nil; without; not), have (there is; exist)  implement (utensil) of use (apply).

chisel (cut a hole) door (household; family) window think (believe; consider that) room, equal (out; should; regard as) his (its; their; that; such) nothing (nil; without; not), have (there is; exist) room of use (apply).

incident (happening; reason; hence) have (there is; exist) of  think (believe; consider that) sharp (favorable; advantage),  nothing (nil; without; not) of  think (believe; consider that) use (apply).

Original

三十幅共一毂，
当其无，
有车之用。
埏埴以为器，
当其无，
有器之用。
凿户牖以为室，
当其无，
有室之用。
故有之以为利，
无之以为用。