Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The Tao is nameless and unchanging.
Although it appears insignificant,
nothing in the world can contain it.

If a ruler abides by its principles,
then her people will willingly follow.
Heaven would then reign on earth,
like sweet rain falling on paradise.
People would have no need for laws,
because the law would be written on their hearts.

Naming is a necessity for order,
but naming can not order all things.
Naming often makes things impersonal,
so we should know when naming should end.
Knowing when to stop naming,
you can avoid the pitfall it brings.

All things end in the Tao
just as the small streams and the largest rivers
flow through valleys to the sea.

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I already demonstrated above that it is futile for a ruler/monarch/president following the way of the so-called “Tao” to hope that people in his state will naturally follow the way of the tao. If it was that easy, the world would have already become a very peaceful place. I am emphasizing this again: Do not lean on the mystical Tao. Do not hope that your sage-like attitudes will bring about natural changes to your kingdom – such as your family, workplace, or business. Sometimes it helps. But it will lose its power or merits if your tao becomes the absolute prescription.

What do I mean by “following the tao,” however? Laozi has consistently stressed the need to be humble and abstain from greed and so forth. He also highlights the significance of wu-wei through the metaphor of muddied water. Although these lessons are invaluable reminders for us when it comes to cultivating our character, they are not always the successful means to achieve peace throughout a state. In other words, it is good that you are practicing the tao on your personal level but do not hope that others will follow your path when you practice it. When they do follow it, then it is good. When they don’t, don’t be disappointed. Your good deeds were worth their efforts in and out of themselves. As Confucius once said, the sage seeks what he pursues from within himself and not from without.