Chapter 18

When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. (Then) appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy. When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation; when the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared.

Commentary

Commentary

THE PALLIATION OF VULGARITY. 1. When the great Reason is obliterated, we have benevolence and justice. P rudence and circumspection appear, and we have much hypocrisy. 2. When family relations no longer harmonize, we have filial piety and paternal p. 85 devotion. When the country and the clans decay through disorder, we have loyalty and allegiance. Next: 19. Returning to Simplicity | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... Next: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... »
Sources: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading; Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue