Literature: Lao-Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching' by Derek Lin - The Problem with Literal Translations

I will do an actual review of this book once I've looked more closely at other translations to compare it to – and indeed videos where I say more about the legendary Lao-Tzu's classical masterpiece itself – but for now, here are some initial thoughts, and a little discussion on why both literal and poetic translations have their own unique problems.

#TaoTeChing #LaoTzu #Literature

[teardrop]

Just keep going! What you are saying is fascinating! It would be good to let Derek Lin know about some of your insights. And please update us on other translations you find

[werwergtgtg]

Nice review. I’m wondering if you know of any good commentaries on the Tao Te Ching. Thanks

[ellenl.s.duncan]

Of the other versions that you have, would you recommend one for beginner to get?

[TriDevious]

did you end up making another video about this?

[GreenLanternFarms]

Just wanted to point out that there is video editing software. Your long scramble for the word "alliteration" was quite painful. More importantly, your criticism of Lin was more rambling than insightful. Toward the end, you say some of his literal translations are nonsensical, but you can't find any examples at the moment. In not cutting the video and finding what you meant to criticise, you are both lazy & unfair. I have spent the last 20 years working on my own translation of the DDJ & I admire Lin's, though I disagree with it on on certain points (as I do all translations to varying degrees, of course). The bottom line is, as you suggest, get as many translations as you can; dozens are online now, along with the original text (or texts, as the DDJ morphed over time).