Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching"

I finished reading this book this afternoon. I have to say, this book resonated more with me than with any other philosophy book I have read recently.

Some of the ideals I found particularly helpful are:

#9: "It is easier to carry an empty cup than one that is filled to the brim. The sharper the knife the easier it is to dull. The more wealth you possess the harder it is to protect. Pride brings its own trouble. When you have accomplished your goal simply walk away. This is the pathway to heaven."
-It's a good thing I don't have any great wealth.

#19: "Forget about knowledge and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times better off. Throw away charity and righteousness, and people will return to brotherly love. Throw away profit and greed, and there won't be any thieves. ... Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little."
-I think this has some connections with buddhist philosophy here.

#22: "If you want to become whole, first let yourself become broken. If you want to become straight, first let yourself become twisted. If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty. If you want to become new, first let yourself become old. Those whose desires are few get them, those whose desires are great go astray..."
-I think I will reserve my interpretations on this quote for my own personal life.

#29: "... Some are meant to lead, and others are meant to follow; Some must always strain, and others have an easy time; Some are naturally big and strong, and others will always be small; Some will be protected and nurtured, and others will meet with destruction..."
-Again, I'm not sure I'm a leader, life will always be challenging for myself and I'm glad for the struggles.

I could go on, but I'll have to end there.

The Tao the book refers to is the path. It is the path to enlightenment and heaven, although I am simplifying this ideal greatly in order to understand it. This book serves as a guide on how to conduct one's life. I can say this: while many cultures and sects hold their ideals to be unique, they are in fact universal.

When I got this book I thought I would be challenged. But as I read it, it became more thought provoking than challenging.

Thanks for reading.

Lynn

Next challenge: Thoreau's "Walden"