Chapter 49

1. The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind of the people his mind.

Commentary

Commentary

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

Philosophical Insight

1. The holy man has not a heart of his own. The hundred families' hearts he makes his heart. 2. The good I meet with goodness; the bad I also meet with goodness; that is virtue's goodness. The faithful I meet with faith; the faithless I also meet with faith; that is virtue's faith. 3. The holy man dwells in the world anxious, very anxious in his dealings with the world. He universalizes his heart, and the hundred families fix upon p. 108 him their ears and eyes. The holy man treats them all like...