1. What makes a great state is its being (like) a low-lying,
down-flowing (stream);--it becomes the centre to which tend (all the
small states) under heaven.
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. THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY. 1. A great state, one that lowly flows, becomes the empire's union, and the empire's wife. 2. The wife always through quietude conquers her husband, and by quietude renders herself lowly. 3. Thus a great state through lowliness toward small states will conquer the small states, and small states through lowliness toward great states will conquer great states. 4. Therefore some render themselves p. 117 lowly for the purpose of conquering; others are lowly and therefore c...
Commentary
Commentary
Philosophical Insight