Section 56
Chapter 56 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. He who knows (the Tao) does not (care to) speak (about it); he who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it. 2. He (who knows it) will keep his mouth shut and close the portals (of his nostrils). He will blunt his sharp points and unravel the complications of things; he will attemper…
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Public-domain original
56. 1. He who knows (the Tao) does not (care to) speak (about it); he
who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it.
2. He (who knows it) will keep his mouth shut and close the portals
(of his nostrils). He will blunt his sharp points and unravel the
complications of things; he will attemper his brightness, and bring
himself into agreement with the obscurity (of others). This is called
'the Mysterious Agreement.'
3. (Such an one) cannot be treated familiarly or distantly; he is
beyond all consideration of profit or injury; of nobility or
meanness:--he is the noblest man under heaven.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Those who know deeply do not need to boast. Keep mystery, moderation, and humility close. Talking too much about wisdom can become vanity.
1-minute summary
Chapter 56 explains that those who know deeply do not need to boast. In practice, keep mystery, moderation, and humility close. It also warns that talking too much about wisdom can become vanity. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Those who know deeply do not need to boast.
- Keep mystery, moderation, and humility close.
- Talking too much about wisdom can become vanity.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
An expert gives a clear answer without showing off every credential.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.