This is a translation that follows the middle path, bypassing both the awkward rigidity of more formal translations as well as others that, by attempting to adapt for modern audiences, stray so far from Lao Tzu's words that they fail to convey the subtleties of the original text. It is not necessary to be flamboyant to be accessible, nor is it necessary to be pedantic to reveal truth. Lao Tzu expressed profound complexities using the simplest words and images. This translation attempts to do no less in bringing his work to modern, english-speaking readers.