Chapter 43

1. The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice¹. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose).

2. There are few in the world who attain² to the teaching without words, and the advantage arising from non-action.

      天下之至柔，驰骋天下之至坚。
　　  无有入于无间。
      吾是以知无为之有益。
      不言之教，无为之益，天下希及之。

【译文】
       天下最柔弱的行为者，同时也是行遍天下无所不克的最坚强者。虚无的道可以进入一切存在起作用。我因此懂得了不执着于名的“无为”的好处。“不言”的劝教，“无为”的好处，普天下没有什么比得上。

1 crevice   

n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口

参考例句：

• I saw a plant growing out of a crevice in the wall.我看到墙缝里长出一棵草来。
• He edged the tool into the crevice.他把刀具插进裂缝里。

2 attain   

vt.达到，获得，完成

参考例句：

• I used the scientific method to attain this end. 我用科学的方法来达到这一目的。
• His painstaking to attain his goal in life is praiseworthy. 他为实现人生目标所下的苦功是值得称赞的。