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Tao Te Ching · 53 of 81

Chapter 53

If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display.

The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.

Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;—such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!

Asked of Guide

Why does Lao Tzu call rulers who display wealth and weapons “robbers and boasters”?

Lao Tzu describes the Great Tao as “very level and easy” and shows rulers who prefer ornamented robes, sharp swords, and “superabundance of property and wealth.” He calls them “robbers and boasters” because their attention to show and accumulation leaves fields uncultivated and granaries empty, so their spectacle takes from the common welfare.

This chapter holds that true governance follows the simple, sustaining way of Tao; ostentatious power breaks that trust and harms people’s livelihood. Read alongside Chuang Tzu, who also links a well-employed, modest rule to widespread flourishing, the point becomes that humility and practical care, not display, secure a stable state.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoismthe state, Good fortune will be found. Employ it the kingdom o'er, And men thrive all around. 3. In this way the effect will be seen in the person, by the observation of different As a Man Thinketh · New Thoughtfor others, which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches. A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ · Esotericand yet he makes all things to grow; he brings in season both the seed time and the harvest time. 25. And Tao Great was One; the One became the Two; the Two became the Three, the T The Sayings of Lao Tzu · Taoismdeep, and making the spreading roots firm: this is the way to ensure long life to the tree. Tao is the sanctuary where all things find refuge, the good man's priceless treasure, th