Chapter 29

Harmony Wu Wei
1. If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.

Commentary

Commentary

Source: Editorial Summary
This chapter explores cor e themes of the Tao Te Ching, including non-action, harmony with nature, and the power of simplicity.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue
1. When one desires to take in hand the empire and make it, I see him not succeed. The empire is a d ivine vessel which cannot be made. One who makes it, mars it. One who takes it, loses it. p. 94 2. And it is said of beings: "Some are obsequious, others move boldly, Some breathe warmly, others coldly, Some are strong and others weak, Some rise proudly, others sneak." 3. Therefore the holy man abandons excess, he abandons extravagance, he abandons indulgence. Next: 30. Be Chary of War | « Previou...