Section 60
Chapter 60 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. Governing a great state is like cooking small fish. 2. Let the kingdom be governed according to the Tao, and the manes of the departed will not manifest their spiritual energy. It is not that those manes have not that spiritual energy, but it will not be employed to hurt men. It is not that it…
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60. 1. Governing a great state is like cooking small fish.
2. Let the kingdom be governed according to the Tao, and the manes of
the departed will not manifest their spiritual energy. It is not that
those manes have not that spiritual energy, but it will not be
employed to hurt men. It is not that it could not hurt men, but
neither does the ruling sage hurt them.
3. When these two do not injuriously affect each other, their good
influences converge in the virtue (of the Tao).
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Simple English explanation
Governing a large thing requires delicate care. Do not overhandle what needs steady heat and patience. Constant stirring can ruin the result.
1-minute summary
Chapter 60 explains that governing a large thing requires delicate care. In practice, do not overhandle what needs steady heat and patience. It also warns that constant stirring can ruin the result. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Governing a large thing requires delicate care.
- Do not overhandle what needs steady heat and patience.
- Constant stirring can ruin the result.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A manager lets a skilled team finish a sprint without changing priorities daily.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.