Section 7
Chapter 7 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are able to continue and endure. 2. Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in…
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7. 1. Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason
why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is
because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are
able to continue and endure.
2. Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in
the foremost place; he treats his person as if it were foreign to him,
and yet that person is preserved. Is it not because he has no
personal and private ends, that therefore such ends are realised?
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Lasting things do not live only for themselves. Serve the whole and you may become more stable too. Self-importance makes a person smaller.
1-minute summary
Chapter 7 explains that lasting things do not live only for themselves. In practice, serve the whole and you may become more stable too. It also warns that self-importance makes a person smaller. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Lasting things do not live only for themselves.
- Serve the whole and you may become more stable too.
- Self-importance makes a person smaller.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A leader gives credit to the team and earns deeper trust.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.