Tao Te Ching Chinese English Parallel Text | Bilingual Edition|Tao Te Ching – Dao Jing, Chapter 7
《道德经》第七章Tao Te Ching – Chapter 7 原文 (Classical Chinese):天长地久。天地所以能长且久者，以其不自生，故能长生。 是以圣人后其身而身先，外其身而身存。 非以其无私邪？故能成其私。 English Translation:Heaven and Earth last forever.The reason Heaven and Earth endureIs because they do not live for themselves;Thus they can exist long-lasting. Therefore, the Sage puts himself behind,And yet he is placed in front.He regards himself lightly,And yet his life is preserved. Is it…
《道德经》第七章Tao Te Ching – Chapter 7
原文 (Classical Chinese):
天长地久。
天地所以能长且久者，
以其不自生，故能长生。
是以圣人后其身而身先，
外其身而身存。
非以其无私邪？
故能成其私。
English Translation:
Heaven and Earth last forever.
The reason Heaven and Earth endure
Is because they do not live for themselves;
Thus they can exist long-lasting.
Therefore, the Sage puts himself behind,
And yet he is placed in front.
He regards himself lightly,
And yet his life is preserved.
Is it not because he is selfless?
That is why he achieves fulfillment.
白话文解释 (Modern Chinese Explanation):
天地能够长久存在，是因为它们不为自己而生，所以能够永续。圣人效法天地，把自己放在最后，反而能处在前面；把自身看得淡薄，反而能保全自己。正因为圣人无私，所以最终成就了自身。
Plain English Commentary:
In Chapter 7 of the Tao Te Ching, Laozi highlights the principle of selflessness as the key to true longevity and leadership. Heaven and Earth endure because they exist for all beings, not for themselves. Similarly, the Sage places others before himself, and by being selfless, he gains lasting influence and preservation.
This teaching emphasizes that humility, service, and selflessness are the foundation of Taoist wisdom and a guide for leadership that endures beyond personal ambition.