Daode Jing Summary

The “Daode jing” is written by Lao-Tzu, the old master, this compilation of proverbs is a Chinese Taoist classic consisting of a collection of thought from the sixth century to the fourth century. The “Daode jing” concerns itself in informing the reader of the main themes of Taoism. The Way is a primordial universal law that is eternally shaping the behavior and operation of all existence. Virtue is the enactment of The Way; the Way itself is virtuous while virtue is the assimilation of oneself in The Way. The Sage is an example of someone who is wholly enveloped in the immersion of The Way, therefore, any person who is to enact virtue is with The Way. Inaction is a concept that is frequently acknowledged as one the concepts of utmost importance.

The Sage is knowledgeable and “To understand others is to be knowledgeable” (pg. 85). To understand others is to understand their perception. For the kingdom to have laborer’s who understand their place in society the Sage must keep the common people from understanding, if this is done order in the kingdom will be achieved; “Therefore in the government of the Sage: He empties their minds, And fills their bellies, Weakens their ambition, and strengthens their bones. He constantly causes the people to be without knowledge and without desires. If he can bring it about that those with knowledge simply do not dare to act, Then there is nothing that will not be in order.” (pg. 55). When a common person can understand the perception of a higher standard of living they would become dissatisfied with the life they live. “Now the reason why people are difficult to rule is because of their knowledge; As a result to use knowledge to rule the state Is thievery of the state; To use ignorance to rule the state Is kindness to the state.” (pg. 34). The Sage’s duty is a noble duty. Class mobility was not in occurrence, the Sage kept commoners satisfied with the lives they lived, more importantly he kept the state functioning through the use of ignorance as an act of