English Original
Laozi once visited the ailing sage Shang Rong to seek his wisdom on philosophical matters.
Shang Rong advised him to dismount his chariot when passing his hometown. Laozi asked, "Does this signify that one should not forget one's roots?"
Shang Rong nodded and added that when passing an ancient, tall tree, one should walk quickly with small steps. Laozi responded, "Do you mean we should respect our elders?"
Shang Rong nodded again, then opened his mouth and asked, "Is my tongue still there?"
"Yes," Laozi replied.
"Are my teeth still there?" Shang Rong continued.
"No," Laozi answered.
"Do you understand the meaning?" asked Shang Rong.
Laozi said, "Are you showing me that the teeth are lost early because of their hardness, while the tongue endures because of its softness?"
"Exactly!" exclaimed Shang Rong. "You already comprehend all the principles of the world."
中文翻译
老子曾去探望生病的哲人商容，向他请教哲学问题。
商容告诉他，经过故乡时要下车。老子问道：“这是否意味着不应忘本？”
商容点头，又说经过高大的古树时要小步快走。老子回答：“您的意思是我们应该尊敬长者吗？”
商容再次点头，然后张开嘴问道：“我的舌头还在吗？”
“在。”老子答道。
“我的牙齿还在吗？”商容继续问。
“不在了。”老子说。
“你明白其中的道理吗？”商容问。
老子说：“您是想告诉我，牙齿因其刚硬而过早脱落，而舌头因其柔软而得以长存的道理吗？”
“正是！”商容赞叹道，“你已经通晓天下事理了。”