Section 18
Chapter 18 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. (Then) appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy. 2. When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation; when the states…
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Public-domain original
18. 1. When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed,
benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. (Then) appeared wisdom
and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy.
2. When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships,
filial sons found their manifestation; when the states and clans fell
into disorder, loyal ministers appeared.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
When the way is lost, people talk loudly about virtue. Repair the roots instead of only praising the labels. Moral slogans can hide broken systems.
1-minute summary
Chapter 18 explains that when the way is lost, people talk loudly about virtue. In practice, repair the roots instead of only praising the labels. It also warns that moral slogans can hide broken systems. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- When the way is lost, people talk loudly about virtue.
- Repair the roots instead of only praising the labels.
- Moral slogans can hide broken systems.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A company improves incentives instead of printing values posters.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.