Chapter 70

My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but

there is no one in the world who is able to know and able to practise

them.

There is an originating and all-comprehending (principle) in my

words, and an authoritative law for the things (which I enforce). It

is because they do not know these, that men do not know me.

They who know me are few, and I am on that account (the more) to be

prized. It is thus that the sage wears (a poor garb of) hair cloth,

while he carries his (signet of) jade in his bosom.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. My words are very easy to understand and very easy to practise, but in the world no one can understand, no one can practise them. p. 124 2. Words have an ancestor; Deeds have a master [viz., Reason]. Since he is not understood, therefore I am not understood. Those who understand me are few, and thus I am distinguished. 3. Therefore the holy man wears wool, and hides in his bosom his jewels. Next: 71. The Disease of Knowledge | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old...