Tao Te Ching • Chapter 11

1.1 Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,

1.2 but it is the center hole

1.3 that allows the wheel to function.

2.1 We mold clay into a pot,

2.2 but it is the emptiness inside

2.3 that makes the vessel useful.

3.1 We fashion wood for a house,

3.2 but it is the emptiness inside

3.3 that makes it livable.

4.1 We work with the substantial,

4.2 but the emptiness is what we use.