Tao Te Ching

Summary

A small book filled with wisdom from long ago. Written in China it focuses on the idea of the Tao, the underlying force of nature, of the universe. It is about aligning yourself with Tao and working in the same direction as it, without resisting it. Flowing together with the universe in a manner known as wu-wei. Non-action with big results, like a martial arts master redirecting your force with barely moving at all, yet overwhelming power. That is the state of wu-wei, effortless, non-goal directed Being. Flow state.

In spirit the Tao Te Ching it's very similar to ideas from The Bhagavad Gita or lessons from Stoicism, such as Marcus Aurelius's meditations.

Main Ideas

There is a universal "substance", the Tao, that permeates all and is all. But yet isn't. There is nothing, yet something, and the Tao is undefinable by mere words and defies understanding and logic, yet it underlies all there is.

To connect with this Tao, and live a good life, we need to stop getting attached to the outcomes, to the worldly logic, and to our own ideas and models. We have to act, do our best, improve, but without thinking about what we are doing these things for. Simply do them, because you do.

A person who has achieved this simplicity of life, is a "master of the Tao". Not trying to impose their will on others, only on themselves, and even there, understanding of the self comes first. They are content, measured, serene, and somewhat stoic. The master doesn't talk, she does not desire, but still achieves. And lives with the paradox of that, understanding it, at a deeper level, at the level of the Tao, without really knowing it.

In a way, most of the Tao Te Ching is somewhat cryptic, and designed to be that way. It's food for thoughts, little sentences to think over, that only slowly reveal their meaning over time, like food that has to be chewed on for a while, before it can fully be digested and incorporated.

Detailed Notes

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Look, and it can't be seen. Listen, and it can't be heard. Reach, and it can't be grasped.

If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.

The Tao doesn't take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil. The master doesn't take sides; she welcomes both saints and sinners.

If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself.

The more you know, the less you understand.

Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know.

Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

If you want to learn how to govern, avoid being clever or rich. The simplest pattern is the clearest. Content with an ordinary life, you can show all people the way back to their true nature.

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.

True words seem paradoxical.

The true name of eternity is Today.

When I know myself, I know others. When I master myself, I don't need to master others.