Lao Tzu
Ratings3
Average rating4.7
15
Ratings3
Average rating4.7
A rich, poetic, and socially relevant version of the great spiritual-philosophical classic of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching—from a legendary literary icon Most people know Ursula K. Le Guin for her extraordinary science fiction and fantasy. Fewer know just how pervasive Taoist themes are to so much of her work. And in Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, we are treated to Le Guin’s unique take on Taoist philosophy’s founding classic. Le Guin presents Lao Tzu’s time-honored and astonishingly powerful philosophy like never before. Drawing on a lifetime of contemplation and including extensive personal commentary throughout, she offers an unparalleled window into the text’s awe-inspiring, immediately relatable teachings and their inestimable value for our troubled world. Jargon-free but still faithful to the poetic beauty of the original work, Le Guin’s unique translation is sure to be welcomed by longtime readers of the Tao Te Ching as well as those discovering the text for the first time.
Reviews with the most likes.
This isn't a book I can leave much review for. It isn't a book that is read once and then put to the side. For one, I'm not competent to review a book of poetry. And, these are thoughts on morals and power. Much of the translation appears simple, but sometimes the metaphors are hard for me to understand, but sometimes they are so simple that it gives me pause.
Each time I read poetry, I realize I don't know how to read poetry. Especially poetry that doesn't rhyme. Oh well.
I enjoyed and appreciated Le Guin's notes throughout and at the end. My plan is to keep this on my desk and crack it open at random to think on one every once and a while.
