The pursuit of the Tao within

How much difference is there between a respectful “yes” and a harsh scolding?How much difference is there between good and evil?What people fear, I too cannot help but fear. How vast and endless this is! The crowd is all joy and excitement, like people at a great feast, like climbing a high terrace in spring.I alone am calm and unmoved, showing no sign, like a baby who has not yet smiled.Weary and drifting, as if I have nowhere to go home to. Everyone else has more than enough; I alone seem to be missing something.I must have the mind of a fool—so muddled and confused.Other people are bright and clear; I alone am dim.Other people are sharp and exacting; I alone am simple and plain. Boundless and calm, like the sea; drifting, as if I can never stop.Everyone else has their own abilities; I alone am dull and crude.I alone am different from others, because I treasure drawing nourishment from the Great Tao, the Mother of all things.