Simple Classics

Section 13

Chapter 13 explained simply

Tao Te Ching by Laozi

Original excerpt

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1. Favour and disgrace would seem equally to be feared; honour and great calamity, to be regarded as personal conditions (of the same kind). 2. What is meant by speaking thus of favour and disgrace? Disgrace is being in a low position (after the enjoyment of favour). The getting that (favour) leads…
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13. 1. Favour and disgrace would seem equally to be feared; honour and great calamity, to be regarded as personal conditions (of the same kind). 2. What is meant by speaking thus of favour and disgrace? Disgrace is being in a low position (after the enjoyment of favour). The getting that (favour) leads to the apprehension (of losing it), and the losing it leads to the fear of (still greater calamity):--this is what is meant by saying that favour and disgrace would seem equally to be feared. And what is meant by saying that honour and great calamity are to be (similarly) regarded as personal conditions? What makes me liable to great calamity is my having the body (which I call myself); if I had not the body, what great calamity could come to me? 3. Therefore he who would administer the kingdom, honouring it as he honours his own person, may be employed to govern it, and he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person may be entrusted with it.

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Simple English explanation

Praise and disgrace can both disturb the self. Care for the world without becoming trapped by status. Depending on approval gives other people control over your peace.

1-minute summary

Chapter 13 explains that praise and disgrace can both disturb the self. In practice, care for the world without becoming trapped by status. It also warns that depending on approval gives other people control over your peace. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.

Key takeaways

  • Praise and disgrace can both disturb the self.
  • Care for the world without becoming trapped by status.
  • Depending on approval gives other people control over your peace.
  • Use the idea in one concrete decision today.

Modern example

A creator keeps publishing useful work without refreshing metrics all day.

For kids

Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.