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XI
Thirty spokes converge
In the hub of a wheel;
But the use of the cart
Will depend on the part
Of the hub that is void.
With a wall all around
A clay bowl is molded;
But the use of the bowl
Will depend on the part
Of the bowl that is void.
Cut out windows and doors
In the house that you build;
But the use of the house
Will depend on the part
Of the house that is void.
Thus advantage is had
From whatever is there;
But usefulness arises
From whatever is not.
 - Lao Tzu
from the Tao Te Ching
translated from the Chinese by Raymond B. Blakney
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