Chapter 81

Harmony Simplicity

1. Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it); the disputatious are not skilled in it. Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned; the extensively learned do not know it.

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. PROPOUNDING THE ESSENTIAL. 1. True words are not pleasant; pleasant words are not true. The good are not contentious; the contentious are not good. The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise. 2. The holy man hoards not. The more he does for others, the more he owns himself. The more he gives to others, the more will he himself lay up an abundance. 3. Heaven's Reason is to benefit but not to injure; the holy man's Reason is to accomplish but not to strive. Next: Chapter I. | « Previous...