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Tao Te Ching  By  cover art

Tao Te Ching

By: Stephen Mitchell, Lao Tzu
Narrated by: Stephen Mitchell
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Publisher's summary

In 81 brief chapters, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, as well as a serene and generous spirit. It teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao: the basic principle of the universe.

Stephen Mitchell's best-selling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.

©1988 Stephen Mitchell (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Stephen Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, large-heartedness, and deep wisdom." (Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man)
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What listeners say about Tao Te Ching

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I am finally ready to hear this truth.

Beautifully written and narrated. I'm listening over and over to it. Strikingly familiar and easy to recognize.

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most read

this is the book every human on earth should read. This book is very easy to understand and apply.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent reading of life's timeless notions

It may be a short read, but I am thankful for this narrator's pacing. He also translated the work, and beautifully so, keeping the spirit of the message.These thoughts/messages can take a moment (or longer) to sink in. Tao helps me stay grounded, and I refer back to Lao Tzu's work often to keep a balanced perspective on life. And we all know how life can become unhinged at times.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So amazing

Beautiful voice - soothing and inspiring. I love Mitchell’s Gita now this. Thank you for this great rendering.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

very good teaching

I have read a couple interpretations, this is a good one. easy listening. it goes at a nice pace, easy to understand.

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    4 out of 5 stars

good listen

would listen again interested in more of the tao te ching books unique perspective I think.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Worth a listen to

If you are interested in Taoism it is a must for a collection. Very easy listen. It was worth the money spent.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Long Awaited...

Nicely narrated... and an easy listen... meditative and calming as I worked along on some other tasks... I found myself making a few bookmarks as I listened... and I'm sure it's something I'll return to again for further thought...

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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time well spent

Great way to expand your thoughts. It would be better without the long pauses though.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Such simplicity! Sounds to be the “what is”.
I am grateful and made richer for the experience.

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