Section 23
Chapter 23 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic)…
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
23. 1. Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity
of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a
sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these
(two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth
cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!
2. Therefore when one is making the Tao his business, those who are
also pursuing it, agree with him in it, and those who are making the
manifestation of its course their object agree with him in that; while
even those who are failing in both these things agree with him where
they fail.
3. Hence, those with whom he agrees as to the Tao have the happiness
of attaining to it; those with whom he agrees as to its manifestation
have the happiness of attaining to it; and those with whom he agrees
in their failure have also the happiness of attaining (to the Tao).
(But) when there is not faith sufficient (on his part), a want of
faith (in him) ensues (on the part of the others).
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Nature uses few words. Speak plainly and let actions carry weight. Too much talking can signal weak alignment with reality.
1-minute summary
Chapter 23 explains that nature uses few words. In practice, speak plainly and let actions carry weight. It also warns that too much talking can signal weak alignment with reality. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Nature uses few words.
- Speak plainly and let actions carry weight.
- Too much talking can signal weak alignment with reality.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A CEO sends one clear decision memo instead of a long confusing thread.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.