Chapter 67

Humility

1. All the world says that, while my Tao is great, it yet appears to be inferior (to other systems of teaching). Now it is just its greatness that makes it seem to be inferior. If it were like any other (system), for long would its smallness have been known!

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. All in the world call me great; but I resemble the unlikely. Now a man is great only because he r esembles the unlikely. Did he resemble the likely, how lasting, indeed, would his mediocrity be! 2. 1 have three treasures which I p. 122 cherish and prize. The first is called compassion. The second is called economy. The third is called not daring to come to the front in the world. 3. The compassionate can be brave; the economical can be generous; those who dare not come to the front in the worl...