Tao Te Ching Chapter 42

 

Out of Tao, One is born;

Out of One, Two;

Out of Two, Three;

Out of Three, the created universe.

The created universe carries the yin at its back

and the yang in front;

Through the union of the pervading principles it

reaches harmony.

 

To be 'orphaned,' 'lonely' and 'unworthy' is what men hate most.

Yet the princes and dukes callthemselves by such names.

For sometimes things are benefited by being taken away from,

And suffer by being added to.

 

Others have taught this maxim,

Which I shall teach also:

'The violent man shall die a violent death.'

This I shall regard as my spiritual teacher.