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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

Relaxing Listen

Listening to Tao wisdom any faster, would lose the point of what is being spoken. This audio book was the right speed and authors voice is easy on the ears. Many of the translations are easy to understand and give you plenty to contemplate.

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Obnoxious ad gone!

I really enjoyed this modern interpretation of the Tao Te Ching. While I do have a more accurate translation as well, this interpretation is easier for me to follow without stopping to think what is being said.

I enjoyed the smooth and easy voice of the narrator. Also, as of August 2019, the loud and obnoxious ad at the end is no longer there.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Worthwhile content, narration: YMMV

It was interesting. The narration was a bit too "profound" for me, but I guess it fits the theme 😉

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

I am understood

These words found me written by my own hand thousand of years ago and they will find me again thousands of years from now🙏🏻

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

Inspirational in simplicity.

Powerful inspirations that generate internal (familiar) revelations about how to live a life of harmony and true purpose. I loved it and will keep this in my permanent rotation!

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

A book you're never finished listening to

very calm steady narration, I will be listening to this for the rest of my life.

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

Beautifully translated and read. A joy to listen

Ancient wisdom rendered succinctly. I’ve listened to it many times yet it remaigns fresh, immediate and poignant

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

Really poor narration

A great work in eastern philosophy ruined by very poor narration. You can actually hear the narrator exhaling loudly and suddenly going really quiet.

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

Fairly perfect

I've been listening to this book on repeat for a few days and have concluded that it is near perfection. Great translation, great voice. But really, is there a difference between Great and Not Great?

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

It absorbs well

This was narrated and spoken well. It created peace within. It is a job well done. I plan to listen to it again
Thank you

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