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Lao-Tzu
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Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition

by Stephen Mitchell (Author, Translator), Lao Tzu (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,340 ratings
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The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.

Previous page
  1. ISBN-10
    9780061807398
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0061142666
  3. Edition
    Reprint
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Harper Perennial
  6. Publication date
    October 13, 2009
  7. Language
    English
  8. File size
    1059 KB
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003SHDM8O
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (October 13, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 13, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1059 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,340 ratings

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Lao-Tzu

Lao-Tzu

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,340 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jose Antonio La Rosa
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2023
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About the wisest book I have ever read.
Easy to read and yet so profound.
I enjoyed every letter and every word.
This is a wonderful book for all wise leaders.
Thank you very very much !!!
4 people found this helpful
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Dmt1961
5.0 out of 5 stars What is left to say.... I enjoyed the narration. Peaceful presentation.
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021
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So many words of wisdom, we so need this today. Being Centered. Strong yet yielding... capable of change . Flowing like the rivers...
Simple yet complex. Very different then how most Americans have been brought up.
Non judgmentental...ever learning. Starting fresh like a childs mind.... Joyous.
2 people found this helpful
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Fernando
5.0 out of 5 stars The shortest book I'll never finish!
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
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Mitchell has masterfully reimagined this poetic rendition of the classic from the eye of Zen. I have many versions of the Tao Te Ching, and I always return to this one. The insights from the contemplation of this text never seem to end.
6 people found this helpful
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Yael stern
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting.
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2019
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Some good may come from parts of this. Some seems very repetitive though. It is easy reading and thought provoking.
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MJCarbo
5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the Tao
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2020
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The most comprehensive reading of Lao Tzu's greatest work, the language is modern and it's meanings far clearer than other translations. Will you understand it all on the first go? The second? The 20th? Maybe. Maybe not. That's the point. With each reading your muddied waters settle a little more and Stephen Mitchell has crafted the clearest pool you'll find.
3 people found this helpful
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Alessandro Piovaccari
5.0 out of 5 stars To be read again once in a while
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2021
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Like every ancient philosophy book, it should be read many time, to really absorb it's wisdom. But be aware, pure harmony is just an illusion, so never take the teaching literally. Harmony exists only over chaos which gives it meaning, like signal over noise. The only thing we can do then is to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, maximize the harmony over chaos. That is the way I see Taoism.
2 people found this helpful
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Rahadi Marsito
5.0 out of 5 stars Trully reminds us on the pure art of living
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
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Really enjoy its simplicity and consistency. A good and well-moderated english translation with ellaborations only coming in later after the passages, a good and objective way to respect reader's own interpretations.
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Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos
5.0 out of 5 stars A little gem...
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2021
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This was another book that my friend who passed several years ago loved. I found the translation he loved as well. This is another little gem full of great advice and observations on life. If you are interested in philosophy or belief and faith in general, this is another must read.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Benny
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and easy to understand translation of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Reviewed in Spain on February 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Stephen Mitchell has created an easy-to-understand translation of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. Moreover, his notes provide the reader with a lot of good background and further insights to capture the value of this important text.
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Mitch
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
Reviewed in Canada on June 1, 2017
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I must of been in many past life's because I am a true history/philosophy/theology and anthropology buff when it comes to reading...
Can't get much better then Gibbon for this very controversial epic...loved it

Mitchell really made me see a different side ot the Tao te Ching...ty

Side note: All books that I buy/rent I own the audio to go with to the exception of children's book which I read to my grandchildren
One person found this helpful
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Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation
Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2019
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I first received this translation from a friend who had studied it in college almost 30 years ago. Since then I have read and reread the book repeatedly. For me it speaks straight to something deep within me and even just a few words help me access and inner peace...any time. Specially because the translation is meant to fit the time in which I live. Thank you Stephan for the gift!
2 people found this helpful
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Anil
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in India on December 21, 2018
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Great read
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Amazon カスタマー
5.0 out of 5 stars わかりやすい
Reviewed in Japan on September 29, 2017
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｢老子｣の著書の英訳版です。以前、漢語と和訳の並んだ本を読みましたが、意外にわかりにくく、意図がつかめませんでした。英語になると、ポイントが絞られるため、非常にわかりやすいです。同時に、想像力やニュアンスも損われていません。老子に興味があればお薦めです。
3 people found this helpful
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