Simple Classics

Section 27

Chapter 27 explained simply

Tao Te Ching by Laozi

Original excerpt

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1. The skilful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels or footsteps; the skilful speaker says nothing that can be found fault with or blamed; the skilful reckoner uses no tallies; the skilful closer needs no bolts or bars, while to open what he has shut will be impossible; the skilful binder uses…
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27. 1. The skilful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels or footsteps; the skilful speaker says nothing that can be found fault with or blamed; the skilful reckoner uses no tallies; the skilful closer needs no bolts or bars, while to open what he has shut will be impossible; the skilful binder uses no strings or knots, while to unloose what he has bound will be impossible. In the same way the sage is always skilful at saving men, and so he does not cast away any man; he is always skilful at saving things, and so he does not cast away anything. This is called 'Hiding the light of his procedure.' 2. Therefore the man of skill is a master (to be looked up to) by him who has not the skill; and he who has not the skill is the helper of (the reputation of) him who has the skill. If the one did not honour his master, and the other did not rejoice in his helper, an (observer), though intelligent, might greatly err about them. This is called 'The utmost degree of mystery.'

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Simple English explanation

Skill wastes little and rejects no one lightly. Use people, tools, and chances carefully. Carelessness throws away hidden value.

1-minute summary

Chapter 27 explains that skill wastes little and rejects no one lightly. In practice, use people, tools, and chances carefully. It also warns that carelessness throws away hidden value. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.

Key takeaways

  • Skill wastes little and rejects no one lightly.
  • Use people, tools, and chances carefully.
  • Carelessness throws away hidden value.
  • Use the idea in one concrete decision today.

Modern example

A teacher helps struggling students instead of labeling them hopeless.

For kids

Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.