Section 38
Chapter 38 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. (Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those attributes (sought how) not to lose them, and therefore they did not possess them (in fullest…
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38. 1. (Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the
Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them
(in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those
attributes (sought how) not to lose them, and therefore they did not
possess them (in fullest measure).
2. (Those who) possessed in the highest degree those attributes did
nothing (with a purpose), and had no need to do anything. (Those who)
possessed them in a lower degree were (always) doing, and had need to
be so doing.
3. (Those who) possessed the highest benevolence were (always seeking)
to carry it out, and had no need to be doing so. (Those who)
possessed the highest righteousness were (always seeking) to carry it
out, and had need to be so doing.
4. (Those who) possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always
seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared
the arm and marched up to them.
5. Thus it was that when the Tao was lost, its attributes appeared;
when its attributes were lost, benevolence appeared; when benevolence
was lost, righteousness appeared; and when righteousness was lost, the
proprieties appeared.
6. Now propriety is the attenuated form of leal-heartedness and good
faith, and is also the commencement of disorder; swift apprehension is
(only) a flower of the Tao, and is the beginning of stupidity.
7. Thus it is that the Great man abides by what is solid, and eschews
what is flimsy; dwells with the fruit and not with the flower. It is
thus that he puts away the one and makes choice of the other.
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Simple English explanation
True virtue does not advertise itself. Do good because it is right, not because it builds an image. Performing goodness can replace actual goodness.
1-minute summary
Chapter 38 explains that true virtue does not advertise itself. In practice, do good because it is right, not because it builds an image. It also warns that performing goodness can replace actual goodness. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- True virtue does not advertise itself.
- Do good because it is right, not because it builds an image.
- Performing goodness can replace actual goodness.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A donor gives quietly where help is needed most.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.