Thirty Spokes
Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,
But it is the center hole
That allows the wheel to function.
We mold clay into a pot,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes the vessel useful.
We fashion wood for a house,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes it livable.
We work with the substantial,
But the emptiness is what we use.
— Lao Tzu