The pros and cons of the Tao

Know the masculine,

but abide in the feminine

be the valley of the world.

Being the valley of the world,

eternal virtue will not depart,

and you return to the state of an infant.

Know the bright,

but abide in the dark

be a model for the world.

Being a model for the world,

eternal virtue will not falter,

and you return to the boundless infinite.

Know glory,

but abide in humility

be the gorge of the world.

Being the gorge of the world,

eternal virtue will be fulfilled,

and you return to the simplicity of the uncarved block.

When the uncarved block is divided,

it becomes tools.

When the sage uses them,

they become leaders.

Thus, the great system does not cut apart.

(This chapter reveals the wisdom of the Dao through the dialectical relationships of “knowing the strong but abiding in the weak,” “knowing the bright but abiding in the dark,” and “knowing glory but abiding in humility.” Laozi advocates overcoming strength with softness and advancing by retreating, returning to a state of purity and simplicity. The sage, using this wisdom, governs the world without disrupting natural harmony.)

Key Concepts:

知雄守雌 (zhī xióng shǒu cí) – “know the masculine, but abide in the feminine” (the balance of opposites).

复归於朴 (fù guī yú pǔ) – “return to the simplicity of the uncarved block” (reconnecting with primal simplicity).

大制不割 (dà zhì bù gē) – “the great system does not cut apart” (harmonious governance that preserves unity).

Core Philosophy:

Laozi teaches the value of balancing opposites and embracing humility and softness. By returning to a state of simplicity and purity, one aligns with the Dao’s natural order. The sage, embodying this wisdom, governs in a way that maintains harmony and unity, avoiding division and disruption. This chapter emphasizes the power of subtlety and the importance of preserving the natural state of all things.