After I quickly browsed the whole book of Chinese Tao Te Ching (very short indeed) and couldn’t find anything like it, I got angry and vowed to know the origin of the quote. I searched the English Tao Te Ching online and finally found it. It’s from section 8 of the book. (I’m very glad to encourage you to check out section 8 which was very beautifully written.) (http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/taote-v3.html)
Yeah, it’s almost word by word translation, if I compare each sentence, but completely foreign to a Chinese person. Very foreign.
Oh, and by the way, section 8 isn’t about uniqueness or being one’s self (personality); not even the English version really suggests this interpretation (although it is said so, but the context isn’t)
Still if only looking at the sentence, the picture is a splendid match. Maybe it doesn’t need to claim as a quote, it has transformed the primitive one.
Thankd for explaining the story behind the actual original quote.
I don't think it's ever possible to translate direct and perfect in any language, because there are so many subtle differences and hidden meanings to words.
Lao Tzu was so smart.
ReplyDeleteTuesday's Tales #1 - John
:-) yes
ReplyDelete...or judge....
ReplyDeleteAh... I could use that today :) Were you reading my mind?
ReplyDeleteI really like this. :)
ReplyDeleteReally great picture, the perfect illustration for the words!
ReplyDeleteI recently read somewhere that said " Remember you are unique, just like everyone else". These prophetic words shows the futility of comparing ...
ReplyDeleteHi friends
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely one, isn't it? I didn't make this one. I was sent it in an email and had to share it. :-)
Lao Tzu?
ReplyDeleteJust where does this quote come from??
After I quickly browsed the whole book of Chinese Tao Te Ching (very short indeed) and couldn’t find anything like it, I got angry and vowed to know the origin of the quote. I searched the English Tao Te Ching online and finally found it. It’s from section 8 of the book. (I’m very glad to encourage you to check out section 8 which was very beautifully written.)
(http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/taote-v3.html)
Yeah, it’s almost word by word translation, if I compare each sentence, but completely foreign to a Chinese person. Very foreign.
Oh, and by the way, section 8 isn’t about uniqueness or being one’s self (personality); not even the English version really suggests this interpretation (although it is said so, but the context isn’t)
Still if only looking at the sentence, the picture is a splendid match. Maybe it doesn’t need to claim as a quote, it has transformed the primitive one.
Orone
ReplyDeleteThankd for explaining the story behind the actual original quote.
I don't think it's ever possible to translate direct and perfect in any language, because there are so many subtle differences and hidden meanings to words.