Section 50
Chapter 50 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. Men come forth and live; they enter (again) and die. 2. Of every ten three are ministers of life (to themselves); and three are ministers of death. 3. There are also three in every ten whose aim is to live, but whose movements tend to the land (or place) of death. And for what reason? Because of…
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Public-domain original
50. 1. Men come forth and live; they enter (again) and die.
2. Of every ten three are ministers of life (to themselves); and three
are ministers of death.
3. There are also three in every ten whose aim is to live, but whose
movements tend to the land (or place) of death. And for what reason?
Because of their excessive endeavours to perpetuate life.
4. But I have heard that he who is skilful in managing the life
entrusted to him for a time travels on the land without having to shun
rhinoceros or tiger, and enters a host without having to avoid buff
coat or sharp weapon. The rhinoceros finds no place in him into which
to thrust its horn, nor the tiger a place in which to fix its claws,
nor the weapon a place to admit its point. And for what reason?
Because there is in him no place of death.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Life is fragile, and fear cannot be the main guide. Live carefully without becoming ruled by death. Clinging too tightly can make life smaller.
1-minute summary
Chapter 50 explains that life is fragile, and fear cannot be the main guide. In practice, live carefully without becoming ruled by death. It also warns that clinging too tightly can make life smaller. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Life is fragile, and fear cannot be the main guide.
- Live carefully without becoming ruled by death.
- Clinging too tightly can make life smaller.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A person takes reasonable health precautions without stopping all meaningful activity.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.