When I wake up each morning, the first thing I do is read a passage from the Tao Te Ching. For those who aren’t familiar with it, the Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese philosophical text written by Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC. It’s relatively short, consisting of 81 passages, so I read through it about 4 ½ times each year.
Over the years, its words have shaped my actions, decisions, and the direction of my life. At the same time, my life experiences have given me a deeper understanding, and appreciation, for its words.
Today I’d like to share some of my favorite minimalist quotes from the Tao Te Ching. They’re from a wonderful translation by Stephen Mitchell; his interpretation is modern, readable, and particularly accessible for those new to the text.
1. “In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.”
2. “If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.”
3. “If you want to be given everything, give everything up.”
4. “If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.”
5. “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.”
6. “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
7. “In the pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.”
8. “The Master’s power is like this.
He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire.
He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed.
He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old.”
9. “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.”
10. “The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others, the happier he is.
The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is.”
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I’ve been reading that translation (my favorite as well) for ~15 years. Another good one that still moves me every time I read it (from verse 80):
“People enjoy their food,
take pleasure in being with their families,
spend weekends working in their gardens,
delight in the doings of the neighborhood.
And even though the next country is so close
that people can hear its roosters crowing and its dogs barking,
they are content to die of old age
without ever having gone to see it.”
Yes, another great one, Steve!
Wow, those are all awesome! #1 and #5 really spoke directly to my soul: “…in thinking…keep to the simple; …no desire…things are at peace”.
Many thanks for sharing these today!
You’re welcome, Annie.
I also love #5. The whole list is very timely for me.
I always find it amazing that what we are ready and need to see appears to us. Thank you for posting it!
Glad to hear that, beth!
4. “If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.”
Love this. Spoke to me from head to toe. Thank you for the wonderful post.
That’s one of my favorites, Cass.
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While Lao Tzu certainly advocates many things in line with minimalism, Chuang Tzu is even better! (He’s just a little harder to quote because his stories are so long.)
Thanks, The Rambling Taoist — Chuang Tzu is on my reading list!
Number 7 is still ringing with me – “every day something is dropped”.
It becomes more apparent to me that learning to let go, of physical stuff, relationships, expectations, is essential for contentment. That whole attachment/non-attachment struggle. Got quite a way to go in that area myself!
It’s amazing how far away from simplicity we as a race have drifted, and very encouraging and exciting that a new movement of minimalism and simplicity is rising. Really feels like people are seeing that there are alternatives to rampant consumerism and it’s so exciting to be a part of something that feels not shiny and radical and new but a return to what’s natural, and has been right all along.
Thanks Francine.
Well said, Dan. I love how you describe the new simplicity movement as a “return to what’s natural.” I hope that someday a minimalist lifestyle becomes more desirable than a consumptive one.
Thanks for the great post. I like to read these, sit back and digest what each one really says and means and how I can apply them to myself.
Francine, thanks for sharing these fantastic quotes!
I’ve recently read the Tao Teh Ching; amazingly simple, beautiful writing that really causes one to pause and think about the meaning of a full life. These types of readings are absolutely inspiring!!
Francine, with about 40 English translations (I have only seen 3 or 4), I like the sound of the translation you give. I’ve recently obtained a translation by John H. McDonald (Arcturus, 2010) which I also enjoy. Thanks for the post.
Great post. I also like the one about a thing’s value being in what isn’t there–windows in a wall, the interior of a jar.
All creatures in the universe return to the point where they began. As I get older, this passage from Tao Te Ching, has brought me comfort.