Section 19
Chapter 19 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming…
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19. 1. If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it
would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce
our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again
become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful
contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no
thieves nor robbers.
2.
Those three methods (of government)
Thought olden ways in elegance did fail
And made these names their want of worth to veil;
But simple views, and courses plain and true
Would selfish ends and many lusts eschew.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Dropping empty cleverness can restore simplicity. Choose sincerity, plain living, and reduced desire. Sophistication can become a mask for selfishness.
1-minute summary
Chapter 19 explains that dropping empty cleverness can restore simplicity. In practice, choose sincerity, plain living, and reduced desire. It also warns that sophistication can become a mask for selfishness. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Dropping empty cleverness can restore simplicity.
- Choose sincerity, plain living, and reduced desire.
- Sophistication can become a mask for selfishness.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A team removes a complex bonus system that was encouraging bad behavior.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.