Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi, is a semi-legendary figure in Chinese history and is traditionally considered the author of the “Tao Te Ching,” a foundational text of Taoism. There is little historical data about his life, and much of what is known is derived from legends. According to tradition, Lao Tzu lived during the 6th century BCE, although some scholars suggest he may have lived in the 4th century BCE. He is said to have been a contemporary of Confucius, though this is debated.
The most famous account of Lao Tzu’s life comes from Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian.” He was reportedly a keeper of the archives at the Zhou court, a position that allowed him access to a wealth of knowledge. Disillusioned with the moral decay of society, he is said to have left for the western border of China, riding an ox. There, a guard named Yinxi asked him to write down his wisdom, which resulted in the “Tao Te Ching.”
The “Tao Te Ching” explores themes such as the Tao (the Way), which is the ultimate creative principle of the universe, and Wu Wei (non-action), which advocates for aligning with the natural flow of things. It emphasises humility, simplicity, and the relativity of concepts like strength and weakness.
Lao Tzu’s teachings have had a profound influence on Chinese culture, philosophy, and beyond, with Taoism influencing fields such as traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui and martial arts.
The “Tao Te Ching” is a text consisting of 81 short chapters that encapsulate Lao Tzu’s teachings. It is traditionally divided into two sections: the “Tao” (Way) section and the “Te” (Virtue) section. In the title Tao Te Ching, the word “Ching” (or “Jing” in pinyin) means “classic,” “scripture,” or “ancient text.” It designates the work as a revered or canonical text in Chinese tradition. So, Tao Te Ching translates to “The Classic of the Way and Virtue” or “The Book of the Way and Its Virtue,” with “Ching” specifically referring to its status as an important, foundational book or scripture. Similarly, in the title I Ching (also spelled Yijing), the word “I” (易) means “change” or “changes.” The full title, I Ching (易經), translates as “Classic of Changes” or “Book of Changes.” I Ching is an ancient Chinese classic focused on the concept of change, transformation, and the patterns underlying the universe.
The first section, covering chapters 1 to 37, focuses on the Tao. It elaborates on the ineffable nature of the Tao, emphasising its role as the fundamental force underlying all existence. Lao Tzu describes the Tao as beyond words and understanding, urging alignment with its natural flow through Wu Wei or effortless action. “It’s better to do nothing than to be busy doing nothing.” is often attributed to Lao Tzu. The Tao Te Ching does have passages that emphasise the concept of “wu wei,” which translates to “non-action” or “effortless action.” It teaches that one should align with the natural flow of life and avoid unnecessary effort or interference. While Tao Te Ching doesn’t contain the exact quote mentioned, the sentiment of valuing meaningful action over unnecessary busyness aligns with its teachings.
The second section, from chapters 38 to 81, addresses Te, which translates to virtue or power. This part explores how Te manifests in human conduct. It underscores humility, moderation, and compassion, advising leaders to rule with softness and minimal interference.
“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”
This passage emphasises the idea that the true nature of the Tao is beyond words and names. Once you try to describe or name it, you are no longer referring to the true Tao but to a concept or an interpretation of it. The Tao is considered ineffable and transcendent, existing beyond the limits of language and human understanding. In essence, the quote suggests that the moment you attempt to define or name the Tao, you miss its true essence. It is the unnamable, the mysterious source of all things, which cannot be captured by words or concepts
Overall, the “Tao Te Ching” promotes living in harmony with the Tao, encouraging a life of simplicity, humility, and non-contention. Its paradoxical and poetic verses continue to inspire interpretations and applications across various domains.
The “Tao Te Ching” is known for its concise and profound quotes. Here are some notable ones:
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” (Chapter 64)
“When you realise nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” (Chapter 44)
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” (Chapter 33)
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” (Chapter 17)
“The soft overcomes the hard. The gentle overcomes the rigid.” (Chapter 36)
Chapters of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
The Tao Te Ching (also spelled Dao De Jing) by Lao Tzu consists of 81 chapters. The text is traditionally divided into two main sections:
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Dao Jing: Chapters 1–37 (focus on the concept of Dao, “the Way”)
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De Jing: Chapters 38–81 (focus on De, “virtue” or “character”)
Summaries of Tao Te Ching Chapters 1–37
1. The Tao is beyond words and names; it is the source of all things. True understanding comes from letting go of desire.
2. Opposites define each other (beauty/ugliness, good/bad). The sage acts without attachment and teaches without words.
3. Avoiding praise and competition brings peace. The sage leads by example, not by force.
4. The Tao is inexhaustible, like an empty vessel. It softens sharpness and untangles knots.
5. Nature is impartial; it treats all things equally. The sage mirrors this impartiality.
6. The spirit of the valley never dies; it is the mysterious female, the root of heaven and earth.
7. The sage puts others first and thus remains fulfilled and enduring.
8. The highest good is like water: it benefits all and seeks the lowest places. The sage is content, kind, and just.
9. Holding too much leads to loss. Know when to stop and avoid extremes.
10. Cultivate body and soul, embrace opposites, and act without attachment. The sage leads without controlling.
11. The usefulness of things comes from their emptiness, what’s not there (e.g., the hub of a wheel, the space in a room, doors, windows), profit comes from what’s there (e.g. a wheel, doors, windows)
12. Too much stimulation blinds and deafens. The sage values inner fulfillment over external distractions.
13. Success and failure are equally dangerous. The sage is humble and cares for the world as for their own self.
14. The Tao is formless, elusive, and beyond comprehension. It is the origin of all things.
15. The ancient sages were cautious and subtle, moving carefully and patiently, like melting ice.
16. Embrace stillness and return to the source. Understanding the cycles of life brings peace.
17. The best rulers are barely known; the people act as if they did it themselves.
18. When the Tao is lost, morality and rules arise. Simplicity is replaced by cleverness and hypocrisy.
19. Abandon artificial wisdom and profit; return to simplicity and authenticity.
20. Let go of conventional thinking and distinctions. The sage remains serene and unattached.
21. The greatest virtue follows the Tao, mysterious and intangible, yet always present.
22. Yielding leads to wholeness. The sage is flexible, humble, and receptive.
23. Nature speaks few words; so should we. Trust in the Tao and act naturally.
24. Boasting and self-assertion are contrary to the Tao. The sage avoids extremes.
25. There is a formless, eternal reality—the Tao—preceding heaven and earth, mother of all things.
26. The sage remains calm and grounded, unmoved by external events.
27. The sage is skillful and leaves no trace. They teach without words and help without expecting reward.
28. Embrace both strength and gentleness, light and dark. The sage is like an uncarved block, pure and whole.
29. Do not try to control the world; interference leads to failure. Let things follow their course.
30. Avoid violence and force; they bring only destruction. The sage acts without aggression.
31. Weapons are tools of misfortune. The sage uses them only when necessary and without joy.
32. The Tao is nameless and simple. When people follow it, harmony prevails.
33. Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastery of self brings strength and longevity.
34. The Tao flows everywhere, benefiting all without seeking praise. The sage follows this example.
35. Hold to the great form (the Tao), and all things come in peace. The sage is content and untroubled.
36. To weaken something, first strengthen it; to shrink something, first allow it to expand. The sage uses paradox and subtlety.
37. The Tao acts without doing, yet nothing is left undone. If rulers follow the Tao, harmony arises naturally, and desires are quieted.
“If you want to become knowledgeable
– learn one new thing, every day.If you want to become wise
– unlearn one thing, every day.”Lao Tzu, author of Tao Te Ching
Summaries of Tao Te Ching Chapters 38–81
38. True virtue is effortless and unselfconscious. When higher virtues are lost, lesser ones like kindness, justice, and ritual arise, each further from the Tao.
39. All things are sustained by wholeness and unity. Humility is the root of nobility; too much pride leads to loss.
40. The Tao moves by returning and acts through yielding. All things arise from being, and being from non-being.
41. The wise embrace the Tao, the average are ambivalent, and the foolish mock it. True understanding is rare.
42. The Tao gives birth to unity, duality, and multiplicity. Opposites create harmony, and the sage avoids excess.
43. The soft overcomes the hard. Non-action achieves results; teaching without words is powerful.
44. Fame and wealth are less valuable than self-contentment. Knowing when to stop brings safety.
45. Great achievements may seem imperfect; true fullness appears empty. Stillness and tranquility bring order.
46. When the Tao prevails, peace reigns; when absent, desire and conflict arise. Contentment is true wealth.
47. Understanding the world does not require travel; wisdom comes from within. Meddling leads to harm.
48. Pursue knowledge by adding; pursue Tao by subtracting. Non-action brings mastery.
49. The sage is impartial and adapts to all, treating everyone with kindness.
50. Most people cling to life and fear death, but the sage lives in harmony with the Tao and is unafraid.
51. The Tao gives life, nourishes, and shapes all things without claiming ownership.
52. Know the origin to understand all things. Preserve gentleness and clarity to avoid danger.
53. The path is easy but people prefer distractions. Greed and extravagance lead to decay.
54. Cultivate virtue within to influence family, community, and the world.
55. Innocence and harmony with the Tao bring strength and fearlessness.
56. Those who know do not speak; those who speak do not know. The sage is impartial and serene.
57. Rule by simplicity and non-interference. Excessive control leads to chaos.
58. Flexible governance brings harmony; rigid control brings unrest. Good and bad transform into each other.
59. Restraint and moderation bring lasting results and harmony with the Tao.
60. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish—avoid over-interference.
61. The humble is the foundation of the noble. Yielding brings unity and peace.
62. The Tao is the refuge for all. Even those with faults are valued if they return to the Tao.
63. Act without effort, manage small things before they grow. The sage avoids promises and handles difficulties early.
64. Prevent problems before they arise. The sage acts without striving and avoids attachment.
65. True wisdom appears simple. Forcing cleverness causes harm; simplicity brings harmony.
66. The sage leads by placing themselves below others, thus earning respect and trust.
67. The Tao’s three treasures are compassion, frugality, and humility. These bring true strength.
68. The best leaders are humble, non-competitive, and guide without forcing.
69. Avoid aggression; the best defense is yielding. Do not underestimate opponents.
70. The Tao is simple but not easily understood. The sage is misunderstood by most.
71. Recognizing one’s ignorance is true wisdom. Pretending to know is sickness.
72. Respect others’ lives and spaces. The sage is self-aware and does not dominate.
73. Courage can be reckless or cautious. The Tao acts without striving and ensures justice.
74. Do not usurp the role of fate or the Tao. Let things follow their natural course.
75. Excessive taxation and control cause suffering and unrest. Simplicity brings contentment.
76. Flexibility and gentleness are signs of life; rigidity brings death and defeat.
77. The Tao balances excess and deficiency. The sage gives without expecting recognition.
78. Nothing is softer than water, yet it overcomes the hard. The sage embraces humility and paradox.
79. After conflict, resentment remains. The sage keeps their part of agreements and lets go of grudges.
80. The ideal society is small, self-sufficient, peaceful, and content, valuing simplicity and harmony.
81. Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. The sage gives selflessly and acts without effort, embodying the Tao.
You can read this classic on many website for free:
https://taoism.net/tao-te-ching-online-translation/
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/laozi/tao-te-ching/james-legge
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/216/216-h/216-h.htm
https://www.with.org/tao_te_ching_en.pdf
https://classics.mit.edu/Lao/taote.1.1.html
Pursue knowledge by adding; pursue Tao by subtracting. Non-action brings mastery.
The usefulness of things comes from their emptiness, what’s not there (e.g., the hub of a wheel, the space in a room, doors, windows), profit comes from what’s there (e.g. the actual wheel, doors, windows).