Chapter 52

1. (The Tao) which originated all under the sky is to be considered as the mother of them all.

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. When the world takes its beginning, Reason becomes the world's mother. 2. As one knows his mother , so she in turn knows her child; as she quickens her child, so he in turn keeps to his mother, and to the end of life he is not in danger. Who closes his mouth, and shuts his sense-gates, in the end of life he will encounter no trouble; but who opens his mouth and meddles with affairs, p. 110 in the end of life he cannot be saved. 3. Who beholds his smallness is called enlightened. Who preserves ...