Tao Te Ching: A New English Version
by Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Mitchell
Mitchell's loose, lyrical rendering, the most popular modern English version. Scholars object to liberties; readers keep it by the bed.
Read it if…
you want a beautiful, readable Tao Te Ching.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want a faithful scholarly translation.
Try instead: Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings →
Three things you will actually use
- Do without doing.
- Soft overcomes hard.
- Know when enough is enough.
Do this first
Read chapter one, then chapter eight.
Our verdict
The lyrical version.
See the book →
Compare with other Character books
Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings
Zhuangzi, translated by Burton Watson · Character
Taoism's trickster.
CLICK TO SEE
Browse all Character book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.