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Dao De Jing

1When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. (Then) appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy.

2When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation; when the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared.

Edition source ↗ · Historical translation; Gutenberg US public-domain record. Digital source printing unidentified.
James Legge · Gutenberg 216
An original-language partner is not yet available for this edition.