Since ancient times,
all things that endure
have held to the One.

Through the One:
Heaven remains clear. Earth stays firm.
Spirits have their power. Valleys remain full.
Creatures live and grow.
Rulers guide with balance.

All of this comes from the Tao.

If Heaven lost its clarity, it would collapse.
If Earth lost its firmness, it would crack.
Without the Tao,
spirits fade, valleys dry up,
life disappears.
Without it,
leaders fall from power.

What is high
rests on what is low.
Dignity is rooted in humility.

That is why rulers call themselves:
“the orphan,” “the unworthy,”
“a carriage without a wheel.”

They know that what is humble
supports what is great.

The parts of a carriage do not make it move —
it’s the emptiness within
that makes it useful.

The wise do not seek to shine like jade.
They remain grounded,
like common stone.