WORDS & IDEAS
Pu 朴
The uncarved block. An image of simplicity before desires and distinctions multiply. The uncarved block asks what becomes possible when we stop adding.
Simplicity and sincerity
绝圣弃智，民利百倍。
If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and…
Read chapterReturning to simplicity
知其雄，守其雌，为天下溪。
28. Who knows his manhood's strength, Yet still his female feebleness maintains; As to one channel flow the many drains, All come to him, yea, all beneath…
Read chapterThe unnamed way
道常无名，朴虽小，天下莫能臣也。
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name. Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with (one embodying)…
Read chapterActing without forcing
道常无为而无不为。
The Tao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do. If princes and kings were able to…
Read chapterGoverning with stillness
以正治国，以奇用兵，以无事取天下。
A state may be ruled by (measures of) correction; weapons of war may be used with crafty dexterity; (but) the kingdom is made one's own (only) by freedom…
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