"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man
"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." — The New Republic
"I read the Stephen Mitchell translation of the Tao Te Ching in one sitting, three times. It is stunning, so lovely. It is a treasure." — Louise Erdrich
"Mitchell's great talent is to communicate with the profound simplicity utterly appropriate for this task. The obscure has been made transparent and available." — Common Boundary
“I have read many translations of this ancient text but Mitchell’s is by far the best.” — James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces