Chapter 37

1. The Tao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do.

Commentary

Commentary

The Tao does nothing, yet nothin g remains undone. This captures the essence of wu wei - effortless effectiveness that comes from alignment with natural principles.

Philosophical Insight

1. Reason always practises non-assertion, and there is nothing that remains undone. p. 99 2. If prin ces and kings could keep Reason, the ten thousand creatures would of themselves be reformed. While being reformed they might yet be anxious to stir; but I would restrain them by the simplicity of the Ineffable. 3. "The simplicity of the unexpressed Will purify the heart of lust. Is there no lust there will be rest, And all the world will thus be blest." Next: 38. Discourse on Virtue | « Previous: ...