Section 59
Chapter 59 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation. 2. It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man's normal state). That early return is what I call the repeated accumulation of the…
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
59. 1. For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering
the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like
moderation.
2. It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early
return (to man's normal state). That early return is what I call the
repeated accumulation of the attributes (of the Tao). With that
repeated accumulation of those attributes, there comes the subjugation
(of every obstacle to such return). Of this subjugation we know not
what shall be the limit; and when one knows not what the limit shall
be, he may be the ruler of a state.
3. He who possesses the mother of the state may continue long. His
case is like that (of the plant) of which we say that its roots are
deep and its flower stalks firm:--this is the way to secure that its
enduring life shall long be seen.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Frugality and early preparation create deep strength. Save energy, resources, and attention before crisis arrives. Waste makes future resilience harder.
1-minute summary
Chapter 59 explains that frugality and early preparation create deep strength. In practice, save energy, resources, and attention before crisis arrives. It also warns that waste makes future resilience harder. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Frugality and early preparation create deep strength.
- Save energy, resources, and attention before crisis arrives.
- Waste makes future resilience harder.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A family builds an emergency fund before a job loss.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.