The Tao Teh King: A Short Study in Comparative Religion: Chapter LIX
The Tao Teh King: A Short Study in Comparative Religion, by C. Spurgeon Medhurst, [1905]
For the regulation of mankind and the service of heaven nothing equals reserve power. 1 Reserve power means a speedy submission. Speedy submission implies a rich store of energy. A rich store of energy means the subjugation of everything. Everything being subdued none knows his limits. His limits being unknown his sovereign power is assured, having the root 2 of sovereignty which endures for long.
This may be described as a 'deep taproot,' and a 'durable peduncle,'—the perpetual vitality and continued manifestation of the Tao.
100:1 Literally—"parsimoniousness;" "the harvest which must not be wasted."
100:2 Literally—"mother."