Simplicity and Humility

Where it surfaces

• What Is the Meaning of the Name Tao? And the Chief Points of the Belief in Taoism

  The Tao is associated with 'the nameless simplicity' and the state of being 'without desire, at rest and still,' which allows all things to go right.

• Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien

  Laozi's advice to Confucius includes putting away proud air and desires, and appearing poor despite rich treasures.

• IX

  The chapter warns against arrogance from wealth and honors, advocating for humility and withdrawal.

• XII

  Advocates for satisfying the belly over the eyes, emphasizing inner contentment over sensory excess.

• Chapter XV

  The metaphors of uncarved wood, vacant valley, and not being full of oneself highlight the value of simplicity and humility.

• XIX

  Advocates for simple views and plain courses to eschew selfish ends and lusts, emphasizing a return to unadorned living.

• Chapter XX

  The sage appears foolish, dull, and lost, yet values the Tao above all.

• XXII

  The sage's embrace of humility and freedom from self-display, self-assertion, self-boasting, and self-complacency is central to the teaching.

• Chapter XXIV

  The chapter condemns self-display and vaunting, advocating for humility and modesty as aligned with the Tao.

• Chapter XXVIII

  The chapter repeatedly urges the reader to embrace humility (keeping within black's shade, loving disgrace) and return to the state of the simple child or uncarved block.

• Chapter XXIX

  The sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence, embodying restraint and simplicity.

• Chapter XXXII

  The Tao's primordial simplicity is small yet powerful, and the metaphor of rivers and seas receiving streams emphasizes humility and natural hierarchy.

• XXXIII

  Contentment with one's lot and self-knowledge reflect the Taoist value of simplicity and humility.

• Chapter XXXV

  The Tao is described as insipid, flavorless, and not worth looking at or listening to, contrasting with the temporary allure of music and dainties.

• Chapter XXXVII

  The nameless simplicity is presented as the means to quell desire and restore stillness.

• XXXIX

  Princes and kings adopt humble titles like 'Orphans' and 'Men of small virtue,' and the chapter ends by valuing the coarse stone over elegant jade, promoting simplicity and humility over ostentation.

• XLIV

  The chapter emphasizes contentment and knowing when to stop, which aligns with the virtue of simplicity and humility.

• XLVI

  The chapter advocates contentment with one's lot and warns against ambition and greed, aligning with the value of simplicity.

• XLVIII

  The emphasis on reducing and diminishing reflects the value of simplicity and letting go of excess.

• LIII

  The text criticizes ornate robes, sharp swords, and lavish feasts, advocating instead for a return to simple, humble living in accordance with the Tao.

• LVII

  The sage's lack of ambition leads the people to return to primitive simplicity, contrasting with complex laws and cleverness.

• LIX

  Moderation is presented as the key to regulating the human and serving the heavenly, reflecting simplicity and humility in action.

• LXIV

  The sage desires what others do not desire and learns what others ignore, turning back to what the multitude has passed by.

• LXV

  The chapter advocates making the people simple and ignorant, valuing simplicity over knowledge.

• LXX

  The sage wears coarse cloth but carries jade in his bosom, symbolizing inner worth hidden by outer simplicity.

• LXXI

  The sage's humility in acknowledging ignorance preserves them from the disease of false knowledge.

• LXXII

  The sage knows himself but does not parade his knowledge; loves himself but does not set a high value on himself.

• LXXX

  The chapter advocates for a return to primitive simplicity, rejecting advanced technology and complex social structures.

• LXXXI

  The rejection of fine words and extensive learning in favor of sincerity and selfless giving underscores simplicity and humility.

• Endnotes

  Highlighted in chapters 65 ('pure, unmixed excellence'), 66 ('putting one's self last'), and 71 ('returning to simplicity'), showing the Tao's power through humility and artless freedom.