Translator’s Preface:
This translation was born of a side-by-side comparison book reports of two foundational texts:
《Dao De Jing》
《US Constitution》
URL:
http://taolaw.blogspot.com/2017/04/meets-us-constitution-preamble.html
The two books, were separated by more than 2000 years, born on two different continents, conceived by two disparate cultural tradition. Yet they both laid the foundation to two unique traditions and shared some profound truths.
It turned out that there is only one Human history and only one fundamental Human nature.
In the process of comparison reading, I found most Chinese Americans and ABCs have not had a full exposure to 《Dao De Jing》. Hence this book to bring a version of 《Dao De Jing》in mostly original Chinese, pin yin and English translation into one single book.
Hopefully this book will help Chinese Americans to reevaluate their ancient heritage, while adapting to the American heritage.
Difference between Chinese texts and English texts make accurate translation impossible. Please keep the following differences in mind:
- Chinese texts almost never differentiate plural/singularity,
- no past tense and present and future tense.
- often omit the subjective, often subjective and objectives are also confused.
- Many Chinese characters map to one sound.
- Pronouns are often vague. Articles are rare.
- No punctuations in ancient Chinese texts. However the natural break in the bamboo sticks (writing medium) may give a clue on when to stop
- No capitalizations, no emphasis.
Besides, I am not a scholar who guarantee correctness，nor could i match the original author’s originality, simplicity and elegance. I merely put a sensible version of 《Dao De Jing》, with a sensible pinyin, with a sensible version of translation, with some whimsical personal notes. Side by side, in hope of sharing enlightenment.
In this work, i am indebted to Yang Peng (杨鹏), whose United Edition of《Dao De Jing》was based on newer archaeological discoveries since 1970s. URL:
I am also indebted to many websites with their own edition and translations of 《Dao De Jing》in Chinese and English. URL:
http://daodejing.org/
My point of view is a little different, and as far as I could tell, mostly common sense and probably original.
Wuyazi at Sansudao
3.1.2018
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