1. Governing a great state is like cooking small fish.
Commentary
Commentary
Source: Editorial Summary
This chapter explores core 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. Govern a great country as you would fry small fish: [neither gut nor scale them.] 2. If with Reason the empire is managed, its ghosts will not spook. Not only will its ghosts not spook, but its gods will not harm the people. Not only will its gods not harm the people, but neither will its holy men harm the people. Since neither will do harm, therefore their virtues will be combined. Next: 61. The Virtue of Humility | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... Nex...
Commentary
Commentary
Philosophical Insight