“ Trying to control the future is like trying to take the master carpenter's place. When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | future control |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“And though its meshes are wide, it doesn't let a thing slip through.
74 If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter's place.
When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.
75 When taxes are too high, people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit.” source
74 If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter's place.
When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.
75 When taxes are too high, people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit.” source
Meaning and analysis
