The lucidity of the original text had eluded most previous translators, and they have obscured some of its central ideas. This text sets out to make Tao te Ching the central Taoist text for the 21st century. Lao-tzu's Tao te Ching is the classic manual of the art of living. In 81 brief chapters, the book looks at the basic predicaments posed by being alive and gives advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit. The Book of the Way is about wisdom in action.