Laozi
治人事天莫若嗇。 夫唯嗇，是謂早服； 早服謂之重積德； 重積德則無不克； 無不克則莫知其極； 莫知其極，可以有國； 有國之母，可以長久； 是謂深根固柢，長生久視之道。
James Legge
For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation.
It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man’s normal state). That early return is what I call the repeated accumulation of the attributes (of the Tao). With that repeated accumulation of those attributes, there comes the subjugation (of every obstacle to such return). Of this subjugation we know not what shall be the limit; and when one knows not what the limit shall be, he may be the ruler of a state.
He who possesses the mother of the state may continue long. His case is like that (of the plant) of which we say that its roots are deep and its flower stalks firm:—this is the way to secure that its enduring life shall long be seen.
Victor H. Mair
To rule men and serve heaven, there is nothing like thrift. Now, Only through thrift can one be prepared; Being prepared means having a heavy store of integrity; With a heavy store of integrity, he can overcome everything. Able to overcome everything, no one knows his limits; If no one knows his limits, he can have the kingdom; Having the mother of the kingdom, he can long endure. This is called “sinking roots firm and deep, the Way of long life and lasting vision.”
C. Spurgeon Medhurst
For the regulation of mankind and the service of heaven nothing equals reserve power. [^1] Reserve power means a speedy submission. Speedy submission implies a rich store of energy. A rich store of energy means the subjugation of everything. Everything being subdued none knows his limits. His limits being unknown his sovereign power is assured, having the root [^2] of sovereignty which endures for long.
This may be described as a ‘deep taproot,’ and a ‘durable peduncle,‘—the perpetual vitality and continued manifestation of the Tao.
The Tao, the eternal THAT is all powerful because It remains ever beyond the attraction to this or that. Therefore the Lord Jesus taught his disciples that the way to obtain all that is needful for earth is to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
[^1] Literally—“parsimoniousness;” “the harvest which must not be wasted.”
[^2] Literally—“mother.”
Ursula K. Le Guin
In looking after your life and following the way, gather spirit. Gather spirit early, and so redouble power, and so become invulnerable.
Invulnerable, unlimited, you can do what you like with material things. But only if you hold to the Mother of things will you do it for long. Have deep roots, a strong trunk. Live long by looking long.