论《老子》的“柔弱胜刚强”

On “the Soft and Weak can Overcome the Hard and Strong” in The Book of Lao Tzu

老子的“柔弱”并不是在一个狭隘意义上与“刚强”相对的名词 ,而是一个抽象的、具有形上色彩的哲学概念。它总括了万物存在的共性 ,既是一切事物生命力的象征 ,也是“道”的表现形式。关于“刚强” ,老子虽然有“强大处下”的名言 ,但实际上 ,对于体现“道”的力量的至强性的东西 ,他是赞赏、推崇的。“柔弱胜刚强”的论断既体现了老子对于宇宙万物之本源———“道”的理解 ,也表现了他济世救人的情怀。

The soft and hard” in The Book of Lao Tzu was an abstract concept of philosophy with formless color instead of a noun opposite to “the hard and strong” in a narrow sense. It summed up the universality existing in all things on earth, it was both the symbol of vitality of all things and the manifestation of “Tao”. With respect to “the hard and strong”, lao Tzu appreciated and highly praised in reality the thing reflecting the incomparably powerful “Tao” though there were his famous remark “the position of the strong and great in low”. The inference “the soft and weak can overcome the hard and strong” not only reflected lao Tzus understanding on “Tao” as the ultimate source of cosmic inventory but also expressed his feelings of save China and the people.