Chapter 63

Simplicity Wu Wei

1. (It is the way of the Tao) to act without (thinking of) acting; to conduct affairs without (feeling the) trouble of them; to taste without discerning any flavour; to consider what is small as great, and a few as many; and to recompense injury with kindness.

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. Assert non-assertion. Practise non-practice. Taste the tasteless. Make great the small. Make much the little. 2. Requite hatred with virtue. 3. Contemplate a difficulty when it is easy. Manage a great thing when it is small. 4. The world's most difficult undertakings necessarily originate while easy, and the world's greatest undertakings necessarily originate while small. 5. Therefore the holy man to the end does not venture to play the great, and thus he can accomplish his greatness. 6. Rash...