大道广泛流行，左右上下无所不到。万物依赖它生长而不推辞，完成了功业，办妥了事业，而不占有名誉。它养育万物而不自以为主，可以称它为“小”，万物归附而不自以为主宰，可以称它为“大”。正因为他不自以为伟大，所以才能成就它的伟大、完成它的伟大。
第三十四章
大道氾兮，
其可左右。
万物恃之以生而不辞，
功成而不名有。
衣养万物而不为主，
常无欲，可名于小；
万物归焉而不为主，
可名为大。
以其终不自为大，
故能成其大。
Chapter 34
The Great Tao flows everywhere,
(Like a flood) it may go left or right.
The myriad things derive their life from it,
And it does not deny them.
When its work is accomplished,
It does not take possession.
It clothes and feeds the myriad things,
Yet does not claim them as its own.
Often (regarded) without mind or passion,
It may be considered small.
Being the home of all things, yet claiming not,
It may be considered great.
Because to the end it does not claim greatness.
Its greatness is achieved.
