Chapter 72

When the people do not fear what they ought to fear, that which

is their great dread will come on them.

Let them not thoughtlessly indulge themselves in their ordinary

life; let them not act as if weary of what that life depends on.

It is by avoiding such indulgence that such weariness does not

arise.

Therefore the sage knows (these things) of himself, but does not

parade (his knowledge); loves, but does not (appear to set a) value

on, himself. And thus he puts the latter alternative away and makes

choice of the former.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

HOLDING ONESELF DEAR.

Philosophical Insight

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

1. If the people do not fear the dreadful, the great dreadful will come, surely. 2. Let them not deem their lives narrow. Let them not deem their lot wearisome. When it is not deemed wearisome, then it will not be wearisome. 3. Therefore the holy man knows himself but does not display himself. He p. 125 holds himself dear but does not honor himself. Thus he discards the latter and chooses the former. Next: 73. Daring to Act | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph....