Tao Te Ching · Chapter
LXXIX explained
This chapter discusses the lingering resentment that remains after a great animosity is reconciled, and how the sage, embodying the Tao, holds only to the left-hand portion of the agreement without demanding immediate fulfillment.
What happens
This chapter discusses the lingering resentment that remains after a great animosity is reconciled, and how the sage, embodying the Tao, holds only to the left-hand portion of the agreement without demanding immediate fulfillment. It contrasts the virtuous person who regards the conditions of the engagement with the unvirtuous who seeks only personal advantage, concluding that Heaven's Way always favors the good.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of self-awareness, where the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Wu Wei (Non-Action or Effortless Action)
The sage does not insist on speedy fulfillment, embodying effortless action by allowing the natural resolution of grievances.
- The Soft Overcoming the Hard
By holding only to the left-hand portion and not demanding repayment, the sage uses softness to overcome the hardness of lingering resentment.
Characters to notice
- Laozi
Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the sage's approach to reconciliation and the impartiality of Heaven.
Key passages
“When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)?”
After a major conflict is resolved, the wronged party still harbors resentment, which cannot benefit the other.
Highlights the persistent nature of grudges even after formal reconciliation.
“Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party.”
To avoid this, the wise person holds the less demanding side of the agreement and does not pressure the other to fulfill it quickly.
Illustrates the sage's practice of non-assertion and patience.
“In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.”
Heaven's Way is impartial and always supports the virtuous person.
Emphasizes the Tao's unbiased support for goodness.
