Section 2
Chapter 2 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is; they all know the skill of the skilful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what the want of skill is. 2. So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to (the idea…
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Public-domain original
2. 1. All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing
this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is; they all know the skill
of the skilful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what the
want of skill is.
2. So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to
(the idea of) the other; that difficulty and ease produce the one (the
idea of) the other; that length and shortness fashion out the one the
figure of the other; that (the ideas of) height and lowness arise from
the contrast of the one with the other; that the musical notes and
tones become harmonious through the relation of one with another; and
that being before and behind give the idea of one following another.
3. Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and
conveys his instructions without the use of speech.
4. All things spring up, and there is not one which declines to show
itself; they grow, and there is no claim made for their ownership;
they go through their processes, and there is no expectation (of a
reward for the results). The work is accomplished, and there is no
resting in it (as an achievement).
The work is done, but how no one can see;
'Tis this that makes the power not cease to be.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Opposites help define each other. Hold success and failure lightly because each depends on comparison. Clinging to one side creates unnecessary conflict.
1-minute summary
Chapter 2 explains that opposites help define each other. In practice, hold success and failure lightly because each depends on comparison. It also warns that clinging to one side creates unnecessary conflict. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Opposites help define each other.
- Hold success and failure lightly because each depends on comparison.
- Clinging to one side creates unnecessary conflict.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A designer learns from both good and bad user feedback.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.