Section 49
Chapter 49 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind of the people his mind. 2. To those who are good (to me), I am good; and to those who are not good (to me), I am also good;--and thus (all) get to be good. To those who are sincere (with me), I am sincere; and to those who are not…
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Public-domain original
49. 1. The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind
of the people his mind.
2. To those who are good (to me), I am good; and to those who are not
good (to me), I am also good;--and thus (all) get to be good. To
those who are sincere (with me), I am sincere; and to those who are
not sincere (with me), I am also sincere;--and thus (all) get to be
sincere.
3. The sage has in the world an appearance of indecision, and keeps
his mind in a state of indifference to all. The people all keep their
eyes and ears directed to him, and he deals with them all as his
children.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
The wise person is open-hearted and not selfishly fixed. Meet different people with steadiness and trust where possible. A hardened heart turns leadership into control.
1-minute summary
Chapter 49 explains that the wise person is open-hearted and not selfishly fixed. In practice, meet different people with steadiness and trust where possible. It also warns that a hardened heart turns leadership into control. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- The wise person is open-hearted and not selfishly fixed.
- Meet different people with steadiness and trust where possible.
- A hardened heart turns leadership into control.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A community organizer listens to both supporters and critics.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.