天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗；聖人不仁，以百姓為芻狗。天地之間，其猶橐籥乎？虛而不屈，動而愈出。多言數窮，不如守中。
My translation of Chapter 5 of Tao Te Ching
Heaven and Earth follow no moral rules
treating everything as hay dog
Rulers follow no moral rules
treating every person as hay dog
Between Heaven and Earth
Isn't it like a wind box?
Emptiness cannot be bended
Action brings over-exposure
Argument eventually reveals its own flaws
Wise to remain at the center
Paul's inspiration: Treating everything and every person as hay dog. Isn't it scary? Natural disasters and authoritarian regimes still remain unrestrained in many situations or places despite cultural progress since the day of Laozi. Hence the sage's advice still holds, like know where the fire exit is located when we stay in a hotel; and don't argue or provoke people with authority, which for some of us will include our own spouse!
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