Chapter 38

Simplicity Te
1. (Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those attributes (sought how) not to lose them, and therefore they did not possess them (in fullest measure).

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. Superior virtue is unvirtue. Therefore it has virtue. Inferior virtue never loses sight of virtue . Therefore it has no virtue. 2. Superior virtue is non-assertion and without pretension. Inferior virtue asserts and makes pretensions. 3. Superior benevolence acts but makes no pretensions. Superior justice acts and makes pretensions. 4. Superior propriety acts and when p. 100 no one responds to it, it stretches its arm and enforces its rules. 5. Thus one loses Reason and then virtue appears. On...