“ When he is born, man is soft and weak; In death he becomes stiff and hard. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | death |
| Date | |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Arthur Waley |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/waley.html |
Context
“Because those above them are too grossly absorbed in the pursuit of life.
That is why they attach no importance to death.
And indeed, in that their hearts are so little set on life
They are superior to these who set store by life.
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When he is born, man is soft and weak;
In death he becomes stiff and hard.
The ten thousand creatures and all plants
And trees while they are alive are supple and soft,
But when and dead they become brittle and dry.
Truly, what is stiff and hard is a “companion of death”;”
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