Section 78
Chapter 78 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it;--for there is nothing (so effectual) for which it can be changed. 2. Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard,…
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78. 1. There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water,
and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing
that can take precedence of it;--for there is nothing (so effectual)
for which it can be changed.
2. Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and
the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice.
3.
Therefore a sage has said,
'He who accepts his state's reproach,
Is hailed therefore its altars' lord;
To him who bears men's direful woes
They all the name of King accord.'
4. Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Nothing is softer than water, yet it wears down stone. Trust steady, gentle pressure over violent force. Underestimating soft power misses how change really happens.
1-minute summary
Chapter 78 explains that nothing is softer than water, yet it wears down stone. In practice, trust steady, gentle pressure over violent force. It also warns that underestimating soft power misses how change really happens. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Nothing is softer than water, yet it wears down stone.
- Trust steady, gentle pressure over violent force.
- Underestimating soft power misses how change really happens.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
Daily practice changes a skill more than one intense weekend.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.