Section 36
Chapter 36 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a (previous) expiration; when he is going to weaken another, he will first strengthen him; when he is going to overthrow another, he will first have raised him up; when he is going to despoil another, he will first have made gifts to…
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36. 1. When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a
(previous) expiration; when he is going to weaken another, he will
first strengthen him; when he is going to overthrow another, he will
first have raised him up; when he is going to despoil another, he will
first have made gifts to him:--this is called 'Hiding the light (of
his procedure).'
2. The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong.
3. Fishes should not be taken from the deep; instruments for the
profit of a state should not be shown to the people.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Change often moves through reversal. Watch for what grows too stretched, loud, or rigid. Surface strength may hide coming weakness.
1-minute summary
Chapter 36 explains that change often moves through reversal. In practice, watch for what grows too stretched, loud, or rigid. It also warns that surface strength may hide coming weakness. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Change often moves through reversal.
- Watch for what grows too stretched, loud, or rigid.
- Surface strength may hide coming weakness.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A business notices an overheated market and reduces risk before a downturn.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.