Section 65
Chapter 65 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao did so, not to enlighten the people, but rather to make them simple and ignorant. 2. The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much knowledge. He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while…
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Public-domain original
65. 1. The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao did
so, not to enlighten the people, but rather to make them simple and
ignorant.
2. The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having
much knowledge. He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a
scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing.
3. He who knows these two things finds in them also his model and
rule. Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call
the mysterious excellence (of a governor). Deep and far-reaching is
such mysterious excellence, showing indeed its possessor as opposite
to others, but leading them to a great conformity to him.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Clever manipulation is poor leadership. Help people live simply and clearly rather than gaming them. Using intelligence to exploit people creates distrust.
1-minute summary
Chapter 65 explains that clever manipulation is poor leadership. In practice, help people live simply and clearly rather than gaming them. It also warns that using intelligence to exploit people creates distrust. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Clever manipulation is poor leadership.
- Help people live simply and clearly rather than gaming them.
- Using intelligence to exploit people creates distrust.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A platform avoids addictive design even if it could raise engagement.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.