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道 Tâo
Chapter 11

The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel depends. Clay is fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that their use depends. The door and windows are cut out (from the walls) to form an apartment; but it is on the empty space (within), that its use depends. Therefore, what has a (positive) existence serves for profitable adaptation, and what has not that for (actual) usefulness.

十 一 章

三 十 輻 共 一 轂 , 當 其 無 有 , 車 之 用 。
埏 埴 以 為 器 , 當 其 無 有 , 器 之 用 。
鑿 戶 牖 以 為 室 , 當 其 無 有 , 室 之 用 。
有 之 以 為 利 , 無 之 以 為 用 。

Notes

###, 'The Use of what has no Substantive Existence.' The three illustrations serve to set forth the freedom of the Tâo from all pre-occupation and purpose, and the use of what seems useless.