Chapter 43

Wu Wei

The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the

hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there

is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing

(with a purpose).

There are few in the world who attain to the teaching without

words, and the advantage arising from non-action.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

ITS UNIVERSAL APPLICATION.

Philosophical Insight

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

1. The world's weakest overcomes the world's hardest. 2. Non-existence enters into the impenetrable. 3. Thereby I comprehend of non-assertion the advantage. There are few in the world who obtain of non-assertion the advantage and of silence the lesson. Next: 44. Setting Up Precepts | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... Next: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old Ph... »