Section 70
Chapter 70 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but there is no one in the world who is able to know and able to practise them. 2. There is an originating and all-comprehending (principle) in my words, and an authoritative law for the things (which I enforce). It is because they do not…
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Public-domain original
70. 1. My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but
there is no one in the world who is able to know and able to practise
them.
2. There is an originating and all-comprehending (principle) in my
words, and an authoritative law for the things (which I enforce). It
is because they do not know these, that men do not know me.
3. They who know me are few, and I am on that account (the more) to be
prized. It is thus that the sage wears (a poor garb of) hair cloth,
while he carries his (signet of) jade in his bosom.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Simple wisdom can be hard to practice. Do not dismiss a teaching because it sounds plain. People often prefer novelty over what actually works.
1-minute summary
Chapter 70 explains that simple wisdom can be hard to practice. In practice, do not dismiss a teaching because it sounds plain. It also warns that people often prefer novelty over what actually works. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Simple wisdom can be hard to practice.
- Do not dismiss a teaching because it sounds plain.
- People often prefer novelty over what actually works.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A health coach repeats sleep, food, and movement because basics matter.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.