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Tao Te Ching · 23 of 81

Chapter 23

Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!

Therefore when one is making the Tao his business, those who are also pursuing it, agree with him in it, and those who are making the manifestation of its course their object agree with him in that; while even those who are failing in both these things agree with him where they fail.

Hence, those with whom he agrees as to the Tao have the happiness of attaining to it; those with whom he agrees as to its manifestation have the happiness of attaining to it; and those with whom he agrees in their failure have also the happiness of attaining (to the Tao). (But) when there is not faith sufficient (on his part), a want of faith (in him) ensues (on the part of the others).

Asked of Guide

Why does Lao Tzu praise keeping silent and say violent storms don’t last?

Lao Tzu links silence to following one’s natural spontaneity: abstaining from speech shows someone is ‘‘obeying the spontaneity of his nature,’’ like a calm response aligned with the Tao. He uses the brief life of a violent wind or sudden rain—things governed by Heaven and Earth—to remind that extreme displays are temporary and unreliable, so measured quietness endures.

When a person makes the Tao their business, others resonate with them whether by pursuing the Tao, manifesting it, or even failing alongside them; shared alignment creates ‘‘the happiness of attaining to it.’’ This chapter echoes Chuang Tzu’s warning against showiness and the Sayings of Lao Tzu about seeming darkness in true wisdom, both valuing restraint over loud demonstration.

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Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoism24. He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views i The Sayings of Lao Tzu · TaoismTao, he loudly laughs at it. Were it not thus ridiculed, it would not be worthy of the name of Tao. He who is enlightened by Tao seems wrapped in darkness. He who is advanced in Ta Tao, The Great Luminant · Taoismhanded on and studied from one age to another. All such are the visible means of getting a victory. But he who is apt in these visible things does not stake his all on them. What h