In 81 brief chapters, Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, or Book of just how, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the nice with the effortless skill that originates from being in accord using the Tao-the basic principle from the universe.

Stephen Mitchell’s bestselling version has been widely acclaimed simply because something special to contemporary culture.