Section 9
Chapter 9 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
1. It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. 2. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honours lead to…
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Public-domain original
9. 1. It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to
carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been
sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
2. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them
safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil
on itself. When the work is done, and one's name is becoming
distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
Knowing when to stop protects what you have. Do good work, then step back before excess turns harmful. Overfilling, overpolishing, and overreaching invite loss.
1-minute summary
Chapter 9 explains that knowing when to stop protects what you have. In practice, do good work, then step back before excess turns harmful. It also warns that overfilling, overpolishing, and overreaching invite loss. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- Knowing when to stop protects what you have.
- Do good work, then step back before excess turns harmful.
- Overfilling, overpolishing, and overreaching invite loss.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
An investor takes a reasonable gain instead of gambling from greed.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.