Fun fact: both Tao Te Ching, a 4th-century BC philosophical masterpiece, and TikTok, a 21st-century social media sensation, are Chinese and start with the letter T. This is just a coincidence to catch your attention and this post isn’t about comparing them. Not to attack one or praise the other: they are incomparable. Instead, I want to share my thoughts on the profound impact of the Tao Te Ching, a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime and keep its quotes close to their heart. 

Discovering Tao Te Ching

I’ve always been passionate about philosophy. My quest for enlightenment and understanding has led me through the holy books of various cultures and the writings of renowned philosophers. Despite this, I only recently picked up Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, urged by a beloved person who would suggest it whenever I felt anxious or lost. Initially skeptical about how an ancient book could address modern problems, I eventually gave it a chance. To my surprise, its less than 100 pages, written in a poetic style, offered a revelation akin to the most enlightening texts I’ve ever read.

The Way of Tao

The core of Tao Te Ching lies in the concept of “Tao,” meaning “the Way.” It emphasizes an infinitely compassionate path that supports and nurtures us, even in our ignorance. True nourishment, however, comes when we forgive ourselves for our mistakes and stop blaming others for our wounds. Forgiveness, I realized, is liberation.

Forgiveness is the ultimate liberation. We often hear, “I can forgive, but not forget.” What if we could forget by forgiving? If not, what if we could use the fact that we can’t forgive as a life lesson and a path to true freedom?

Excerpts from Tao Te Ching

Here are some excerpts that deeply resonated with me:

On Life’s Conduct:

“In dwelling, be close to the land.

In meditation, go deep in the heart.

In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.

In speech, be true.

In ruling, be just.

In business, be competent.

In action, watch the timing.

No fight: No blame” [8] 

This passage is a holistic guide to living a balanced life. It emphasizes grounding oneself in nature, being authentic and kind in interactions, and maintaining integrity in all actions.

The principle of “No fight: No blame” is particularly powerful, advocating for a life free from conflict, resentment, or blaming others for one’s mistakes.

On Yin and Yang:

“The Tao begot one. 

One begot two.

Two begot three.

And three begot the ten thousand things.

The ten thousand things carry yin and embrace yang.

They achieve harmony by combining these forces.” (42)

The popular concept of Yin and Yang illustrates the fundamental balance of opposites in the universe. Everything is interconnected and achieves harmony through the integration of contrasting elements. How beautiful it is to be reminded of this truth. This wisdom also encourages us to let go of rigid control and embrace the natural flow of life.

On compassion:

Therefore the sage takes care of all men

And abandons no one.

He takes care of all things

And abandons nothing.

This is called “following the light”. (27)

Compassion and inclusivity are central to Taoist philosophy. By caring for all beings and things, we align ourselves with the Tao and foster a harmonious existence. This verse teaches the value of universal compassion and mindfulness. We find it in so many other religions and philosophies, proving once again the interconnectedness of things. 

On Achieving:

Achieve results,

But never glory in them.

Achieve results,

But never boast.

Achieve results,

But never be proud.

Achieve results,

Because this is the natural way.

Achieve results,

But not through violence. (30)

True success comes from following the natural way, without seeking personal glory or using force. 

Knowing when to stop averts trouble.

Tao in the world is like a river flowing home to the sea. (32)

On Self-Knowledge:

Knowing others is wisdom;

Knowing the self is enlightenment.

Mastering others requires force;

Mastering the self needs strength.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

Perseverance is a sign of will power.

He who stays where he is endures.

To die but not to perish is to be eternally present. (33)

Self-awareness and self-mastery are key themes in Tao Te Ching. True enlightenment and understanding life come from understanding oneself first.

On Non-Action:

Tao abides in non-actions,

Yet nothing is left undone.

If kings and lords observed this,

The ten thousand things would develop naturally.

If they still desired to act,

They would return to the simplicity of formless substance.

Without form there is no desire.

Without desire there is tranquility.

And this way all things would be at peace. (37)

The concept of non-action (wu wei), or the art of letting things happen, is central to Taoist thought. This doesn’t mean doing nothing or being lazy, it means working smart, not harder, knowing when to act and when to step back. Lao Tzu’s teachings suggest that true achievement comes not from forceful exertion, but from understanding and harmony. In a world where phrases like “only dead fish go with the flow” are thrown around to motivate relentless effort and hustle, it’s crucial to re-evaluate what “going with the flow” really means. The Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text by Lao Tzu, offers a refreshing and profound take on this philosophy. It promotes a way of living and working that emphasizes efficiency, wisdom, and self-awareness, rather than relentless struggle. 

In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired.

In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped.

Less and less is done

Until non-action is achieved.

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering. (48) 

The modern world constantly pushes us to exert more effort, work longer hours, and chase continuous achievements. We’re often led to believe that success requires constant hustle and pressure. Yet, many of us find that this intense effort doesn’t always translate into the results we desire. Instead, it often leads to burnout, frustration, and a sense of unfulfillment.

Without going outside, you may know the whole world.

Without looking through your window, you may see the ways of heaven.

The farther you go, the less you know.

Thus the sage knows without traveling;

He sees without looking;

He works without doing. (47)

On Virtue:

The book also emphasizes the cultivation of virtue at all levels of existence.

Cultivate Virtue in yourself,

And Virtue will be real.

Cultivate it in the family,

And Virtue will abound.

Cultivate it in the village,

And Virtue will grow.

Cultivate it in the nation,

And Virtue will be abundant.

Cultivate it in the universe,

And Virtue will be everywhere.

Therefore look at the body as body;

Look at the family as family;

Look at the village as village;

Look at the nation as nation;

Look at the universe as universe.

How do I know the universe is like this?

By looking! (54)

On humbleness:

Why is the sea king of a hundred streams?

Because it lies below them.

Therefore it is the king of a hundred streams.

If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility.

If he would lead them, he must follow behind.

In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed;

When he stands before them, they will not be harmed.

The whole world will support him and will not tire of him.

Because he does not compete,

He does not meet competition. (66)

P.S. You might like this:

On the Art of Humbleness | Art of Saudade

Replacing TikTok with Tao Te Ching isn’t about dismissing modern distractions entirely but about finding balance and wisdom in our actions. Embracing the Taoist philosophy encourages us to go with the flow in a way that is far from being passive or lazy. In a world that glorifies relentless hustle, the Tao Te Ching offers a sanctuary of wisdom. This is one of the few timeless books that truly encourage self-reflection, compassion, and living in harmony with the world around us. Happy reading!

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