Section 71
Chapter 71 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest (attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a disease. 2. It is simply by being pained at (the thought of) having this disease that we are preserved from it. The sage has not the disease. He knows the pain that would be inseparable…
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
71. 1. To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest
(attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a disease.
2. It is simply by being pained at (the thought of) having this
disease that we are preserved from it. The sage has not the disease.
He knows the pain that would be inseparable from it, and therefore he
does not have it.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Knowing that you do not know is wisdom. Admit gaps early so learning can begin. Pretending to know blocks correction.
1-minute summary
Chapter 71 explains that knowing that you do not know is wisdom. In practice, admit gaps early so learning can begin. It also warns that pretending to know blocks correction. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Knowing that you do not know is wisdom.
- Admit gaps early so learning can begin.
- Pretending to know blocks correction.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
An engineer asks for review before merging code they do not fully understand.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.