Chapter 54

Chapter 54

That which is well built
will never be torn down.
That which is well latched
can not slip away.
Those who do things well
will be honored from generation to generation.

If this idea is cultivated in the individual,
then his virtue will become genuine.
If this idea is cultivated in your family,
then virtue in your family will be great.
If this idea is cultivated in your community,
then virtue will go a long way.
If this idea is cultivated in your country,
then virtue will be in many places.
If this idea is cultivated in the world,
then virtue will be with everyone.

Then observe the person for what the person does,
and observe the family for what it does,
and observe the community for what it does,
and observe the country for what it does,
and observe the world for what it does.
How do I know this saying is true?
I observe these things and see.

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This chapter speaks well for itself, so I do not have much to comment on it. However, one or two points come to mind.

Lao Tzu argues here that contributions by people of virtue will be long remembers. However, sometimes it happens that the later people distort or manipulate historical events somehow the way they see fit according to their purpose. Depending on how they do it, bad people can be rememberd in a good way, and good people can be remembered in a bad way.

What is difficult about history is that it is not easy to construct objective facts regarding past events or accidents. Human affairs are so complex that they cannot be explained solely this way or that way.

Even if you were a virtuous person and your virtue benefited your society, a person of greater historical significance can take that away and be remembered as a virtuous person instead.