Section 47
Chapter 47 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes place) under the sky; without looking out from his window, one sees the Tao of Heaven. The farther that one goes out (from himself), the less he knows. 2. Therefore the sages got their knowledge without travelling; gave their (right)…
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Public-domain original
47. 1. Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes
place) under the sky; without looking out from his window, one sees
the Tao of Heaven. The farther that one goes out (from himself), the
less he knows.
2. Therefore the sages got their knowledge without travelling; gave
their (right) names to things without seeing them; and accomplished
their ends without any purpose of doing so.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Wisdom does not always require restless travel. Look deeply where you are before chasing more information. Movement can become avoidance.
1-minute summary
Chapter 47 explains that wisdom does not always require restless travel. In practice, look deeply where you are before chasing more information. It also warns that movement can become avoidance. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Wisdom does not always require restless travel.
- Look deeply where you are before chasing more information.
- Movement can become avoidance.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A researcher studies existing customer calls before buying another report.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.