Section 25
Chapter 25 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. There was something undefined and complete, coming into existence before Heaven and Earth. How still it was and formless, standing alone, and undergoing no change, reaching everywhere and in no danger (of being exhausted)! It may be regarded as the Mother of all things. 2. I do not know its name,…
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Public-domain original
25. 1. There was something undefined and complete, coming into
existence before Heaven and Earth. How still it was and formless,
standing alone, and undergoing no change, reaching everywhere and in
no danger (of being exhausted)! It may be regarded as the Mother of
all things.
2. I do not know its name, and I give it the designation of the Tao
(the Way or Course). Making an effort (further) to give it a name I
call it The Great.
3. Great, it passes on (in constant flow). Passing on, it becomes
remote. Having become remote, it returns. Therefore the Tao is
great; Heaven is great; Earth is great; and the (sage) king is also
great. In the universe there are four that are great, and the (sage)
king is one of them.
4. Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from
Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its
being what it is.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
The Tao is older and wider than all named things. Let large principles guide small choices. Thinking only in short-term terms narrows judgment.
1-minute summary
Chapter 25 explains that the Tao is older and wider than all named things. In practice, let large principles guide small choices. It also warns that thinking only in short-term terms narrows judgment. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- The Tao is older and wider than all named things.
- Let large principles guide small choices.
- Thinking only in short-term terms narrows judgment.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A city plans around long-term livability, not only next quarter's traffic.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.