Thursday, September 2, 2021

Tao Te Ching 81

 Tao Te Ching 81


True words do not sound beautiful; beautiful sounding words are not true.

Wise men don't need to debate; men who need to debate are not wise.

Wise men are not scholars, and scholars are not wise.

The Master desires no possessions.

Since the things she does are for the people, she has more than she needs.

The more she gives to others, the more she has for herself.

The Tao of Heaven nourishes by not forcing.

The Tao of the Wise Person acts by not competing.


Lao Tzu


Tao Te Ching 80

 Tao Te Ching 80


Small countries with few people are best.

Give them all of the things they want, and they will see that they do not need them.

Teach them that death is a serious thing, and to be content to never leave their homes.

Even though they have plenty of horses, wagons, and boats, they won't feel that they need to use them.

Even if they have weapons and shields, they will keep them out of sight.

Let people enjoy the simple technologies, let them enjoy their food, let them make their own clothes, let them be content with their own homes, and delight in the customs that they cherish.

Although the next country is close enough that they can hear their roosters crowing and dogs barking, they are content never to visit each other all of the days of their lives.


Lao Tzu