The great Way flows endlessly,
reaching to the left and the right.
All things depend on it for life,
and it does not turn them away.

It fulfills its purpose
but claims no credit.
It clothes and nourishes all things,
yet does not act as their master.

Eternally free of desire,
it may be called small.
All things return to it,
and it does not act as their master,
so it may be called great.

It is because it never seeks to be great
that it achieves greatness.