Thank you Louisa for bringing this wonderful philosophy from the 4th Century BC to us 21st Century beings.
It is indeed very wise and accurate for what we’re experiencing right now. With one sentence for each situation a wonderful insight appears and I find myself agreeing with it and also being fascinated by it, since it was written so long ago.
Your observations are good. I see them the same way. Also the Yin and Yang of Sisterly Love painting you did is delightful. Being a cat person I appreciate it even more.
Hi Seval, I appreciate your reflections to this ancient text along with my interpretations, and am glad you found it fascinating as well! I'm also really happy that the painting delighted you. Please share it with Ash 😽
The interpretation for the last one is interesting (although I agree with you that it fits completely our current political environment, maybe accidentally). My understanding of 国家昏乱有忠臣 is quite the opposite: when the country is in chaos, there rise up people loyalty. I’d like to think the meaning of loyalty here is not to blindly loyal to an individual without moral discipline, but loyal to a belief and principle. Just my two cents 😊
Hi Yi, thanks for reading and for providing the Chinese text reference and your interpretation. It's interesting how we can interpret the verses so differently, isn't it? Based on the Chinese text, it does seem that the translated version I quote is the opposite of "when the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared." When taking the rest of the chapter into consideration, I think that the concept of "respect is accorded" is more similar/parallel to the logic used in the other 3 concepts. The phrase "有忠臣" itself can be quite vague due to the word 有. On the surface, it reads "there exists" loyal ministers. However, what lies behind 有? What is the hidden motives of these loyal ministers? If we take into account the word "hypocrisy" used earlier, then this last line may refer to ministers who pretend to be loyal and rise up to the occasion, but they may have hidden agendas. Just my two cynical cents 🫠
It is true. When I looked at these words again, the logic can be: when there is chaos, don't worry, there are always people with strength who will show up. But when things are going well, there's got to be folks who oppose the prevailing wisdom. It's the yin and yang of the universe after all ☯️
I'm glad it helped your understanding. As you can see in some of the comments above, the text can be interpreted in many different ways. As such, it really is a work of art in addition to its spiritual nature, open for interpretation and personal application. I personally find a lot of resonance in this particular translation. Glad you did too.
Last night I discovered your replies to my comments. I had no idea what the bell icon at the bottom of the page meant. So I touched it and ¡poof! there you were. I was flabbergasted (and embarrassed by my social media, umhh, well, naivety is a less painful word to write about oneself than ignorance 😆). Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments. I will pay attention in the future and reply if it’s appropriate.
What a thoughtful and interesting perspective on this ancient text. I loved 4 year old defiant you & your sister love painting. I gained insight into myself from your interpretation. Integrity is something I think about often. It is our ultimate defense against bullies, villains and despots everywhere.
Thank you for your appreciation and love for the defiant 4-year-old me and the cat painting. It's so interesting to hear what you think about integrity -- it's a very powerful take! I agree totally that it can act as the strongest shield to protect our soul from attack, control and corruption.
Loved this piece! Thank you for sharing. What insight! I grew up in the Caribbean and filial piety is also big in our culture. This stanza makes so much sense to me.
Tamara, I'm so glad you resonated with the interpretation of this chapter of Tao Teh Ching. I didn't know that filial piety is big in your Caribbean culture, too! I'm very curious and want to learn more about how that shows up in society and families, if you're willing to share. I have a hunch that it is a common thread in collectivist societies.
In the Caribbean, like most places, it is a patriarchal society and the boys are given carte blanche with the girls meant to blindly support. There are families, of which my best friend is a part of, where she was expected to cater to her younger brothers needs before her own. As she grew up, she has carried that training into her relationships. Corporal punishment was an expected from of conformation and still is. Hope for change is present but change is slow coming...
Thank you for sharing these aspects of your culture, Tamara. I'm sad to hear about the injustice. These practices sound so familiar to me, as we have similar ones in my Chinese culture as well. Corporal punishment has sort of phased out but it was intact when I was a child. Changes to these deeply rooted patriarchal customs are extremely difficult and slow in coming. But we who have seen the abuse cannot unsee it, so we must speak up when we can to raise awareness of the injustice of it all.
Indeed! Silence enables the injustices and the stigmas which is why I started my podcast. If only one person starts talking out loud, my hope is that the ripple effect will be life changing
Dear Lily, Coming across your essay felt serendipitous.
I have come across this same book through the recommendation of a fellow subscriber to read in my current situation. pointing me to Diamond-Michael Scott and his Essay about this book which I read and agreed that I had come to much the same conclusions my own reflections on life’s long and acute journeys. Finding your writing—especially this piece—felt like a continuation of that exploration, offering deeper perspectives on the intersections of inner truth, cultural values, and personal growth.
The passage you shared from the Tao Teh Ching—“When the inner truth of the Tao is lost, the outer code of morality comes into being”—captured much of what I’ve observed in my own life. Growing up in Germany, a culture steeped in “Zucht und Ordnung” (discipline and order), I experienced this firsthand. These systems emphasized “Autoritätshörigkeit” (reverence for authority) and “bedingungsloser Gehorsam” (unconditional obedience), creating an environment where external moral codes often overshadowed inner truth.
The historical context adds further complexity. Germany’s fragmented past—its counties, duchies, and principalities—demanded strict external systems to maintain unity. Much like the filial piety you describe, these codes arose as a response to discord, ensuring survival and conformity. The idea of “defending what is mine”—whether land, status, or influence—is a thread that seems to connect cultures across time and space, bridged maybe by Marco Polo.
On a personal level, these forces were deeply felt. For me, they were reinforced through wooden cooking spoons, riding crops, belts, and shoes, creating a system that demanded unwavering loyalty and conformity. By the age of 11, this environment led me to what I now call the “exile” from my true self. My inner world became walled off and inaccessible, protected as a survival mechanism. Reclaiming these lost parts has been a long and challenging journey, and only recently—this past Friday—did I recover the last fractured remnants.
Your exploration of how filial piety is often emphasized in times of familial discord was particularly illuminating. The demand for obedience and loyalty in my own upbringing mirrored much of what you described, creating a framework where external expectations often took precedence over individuality. Rediscovering my inner compass has been a transformative process, much like your journey to reconnect with the “tao.”
Your insights into cleverness and hypocrisy, as well as chaos and loyalty, make sense. Yet they are also shaped by wanting to exercise power over, of which manipulation is one form. These dynamics transcend cultures, revealing shared human struggles. As you noted, cleverness untethered from authenticity often leads to manipulation, while loyalty in times of chaos becomes a necessity rather than a choice as it might mean your extinction. These reflections are unfortunately especially relevant again in today’s broader social and political climate.
On a more personal note, I have a photo of a Norwegian mountain on my door, paired with Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mountain Meditation and Lao Tzu’s words: “Watch your thoughts, words, actions, habits, character—they become your destiny.” - in short. The image serves as a daily reminder of steadiness and reflection, often remembering me at moments when reconnecting with my own foundation feels most needed. Reading your essay alongside this visual reminder created a quiet sense of connection, showing how universal these themes can be.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece. It has helped me reflect not only on the intersections of our experiences but also on the shared threads of humanity that transcend cultures and histories.
Thank you Louisa for bringing this wonderful philosophy from the 4th Century BC to us 21st Century beings.
It is indeed very wise and accurate for what we’re experiencing right now. With one sentence for each situation a wonderful insight appears and I find myself agreeing with it and also being fascinated by it, since it was written so long ago.
Your observations are good. I see them the same way. Also the Yin and Yang of Sisterly Love painting you did is delightful. Being a cat person I appreciate it even more.
Hi Seval, I appreciate your reflections to this ancient text along with my interpretations, and am glad you found it fascinating as well! I'm also really happy that the painting delighted you. Please share it with Ash 😽
The interpretation for the last one is interesting (although I agree with you that it fits completely our current political environment, maybe accidentally). My understanding of 国家昏乱有忠臣 is quite the opposite: when the country is in chaos, there rise up people loyalty. I’d like to think the meaning of loyalty here is not to blindly loyal to an individual without moral discipline, but loyal to a belief and principle. Just my two cents 😊
Hi Yi, thanks for reading and for providing the Chinese text reference and your interpretation. It's interesting how we can interpret the verses so differently, isn't it? Based on the Chinese text, it does seem that the translated version I quote is the opposite of "when the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared." When taking the rest of the chapter into consideration, I think that the concept of "respect is accorded" is more similar/parallel to the logic used in the other 3 concepts. The phrase "有忠臣" itself can be quite vague due to the word 有. On the surface, it reads "there exists" loyal ministers. However, what lies behind 有? What is the hidden motives of these loyal ministers? If we take into account the word "hypocrisy" used earlier, then this last line may refer to ministers who pretend to be loyal and rise up to the occasion, but they may have hidden agendas. Just my two cynical cents 🫠
大道废，有仁义；智慧出，有大伪；六亲不和，有孝慈；国家昏乱，有忠臣。I think how we interpret words like 仁义，大伪, 孝慈, and 忠臣 in today’s modern world is the key.
I think part of the beauty of master works like 道德经，lies in the wonder of interpretation 😊.
It is true. When I looked at these words again, the logic can be: when there is chaos, don't worry, there are always people with strength who will show up. But when things are going well, there's got to be folks who oppose the prevailing wisdom. It's the yin and yang of the universe after all ☯️
Your interpretation helped me understand a pair of couplets I was not sure about. Now the whole thing rings true to me, and wise.
I'm glad it helped your understanding. As you can see in some of the comments above, the text can be interpreted in many different ways. As such, it really is a work of art in addition to its spiritual nature, open for interpretation and personal application. I personally find a lot of resonance in this particular translation. Glad you did too.
Last night I discovered your replies to my comments. I had no idea what the bell icon at the bottom of the page meant. So I touched it and ¡poof! there you were. I was flabbergasted (and embarrassed by my social media, umhh, well, naivety is a less painful word to write about oneself than ignorance 😆). Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments. I will pay attention in the future and reply if it’s appropriate.
Hi Max, no worries. Every platform has its unique interface. I’m glad you’ve found your way to the comment threads!
What a thoughtful and interesting perspective on this ancient text. I loved 4 year old defiant you & your sister love painting. I gained insight into myself from your interpretation. Integrity is something I think about often. It is our ultimate defense against bullies, villains and despots everywhere.
Thank you for your appreciation and love for the defiant 4-year-old me and the cat painting. It's so interesting to hear what you think about integrity -- it's a very powerful take! I agree totally that it can act as the strongest shield to protect our soul from attack, control and corruption.
Loved this piece! Thank you for sharing. What insight! I grew up in the Caribbean and filial piety is also big in our culture. This stanza makes so much sense to me.
Tamara, I'm so glad you resonated with the interpretation of this chapter of Tao Teh Ching. I didn't know that filial piety is big in your Caribbean culture, too! I'm very curious and want to learn more about how that shows up in society and families, if you're willing to share. I have a hunch that it is a common thread in collectivist societies.
In the Caribbean, like most places, it is a patriarchal society and the boys are given carte blanche with the girls meant to blindly support. There are families, of which my best friend is a part of, where she was expected to cater to her younger brothers needs before her own. As she grew up, she has carried that training into her relationships. Corporal punishment was an expected from of conformation and still is. Hope for change is present but change is slow coming...
Thank you for sharing these aspects of your culture, Tamara. I'm sad to hear about the injustice. These practices sound so familiar to me, as we have similar ones in my Chinese culture as well. Corporal punishment has sort of phased out but it was intact when I was a child. Changes to these deeply rooted patriarchal customs are extremely difficult and slow in coming. But we who have seen the abuse cannot unsee it, so we must speak up when we can to raise awareness of the injustice of it all.
Indeed! Silence enables the injustices and the stigmas which is why I started my podcast. If only one person starts talking out loud, my hope is that the ripple effect will be life changing
Brava for speaking up and creating a ripple effect!
Same to you!!
Dear Lily, Coming across your essay felt serendipitous.
I have come across this same book through the recommendation of a fellow subscriber to read in my current situation. pointing me to Diamond-Michael Scott and his Essay about this book which I read and agreed that I had come to much the same conclusions my own reflections on life’s long and acute journeys. Finding your writing—especially this piece—felt like a continuation of that exploration, offering deeper perspectives on the intersections of inner truth, cultural values, and personal growth.
The passage you shared from the Tao Teh Ching—“When the inner truth of the Tao is lost, the outer code of morality comes into being”—captured much of what I’ve observed in my own life. Growing up in Germany, a culture steeped in “Zucht und Ordnung” (discipline and order), I experienced this firsthand. These systems emphasized “Autoritätshörigkeit” (reverence for authority) and “bedingungsloser Gehorsam” (unconditional obedience), creating an environment where external moral codes often overshadowed inner truth.
The historical context adds further complexity. Germany’s fragmented past—its counties, duchies, and principalities—demanded strict external systems to maintain unity. Much like the filial piety you describe, these codes arose as a response to discord, ensuring survival and conformity. The idea of “defending what is mine”—whether land, status, or influence—is a thread that seems to connect cultures across time and space, bridged maybe by Marco Polo.
On a personal level, these forces were deeply felt. For me, they were reinforced through wooden cooking spoons, riding crops, belts, and shoes, creating a system that demanded unwavering loyalty and conformity. By the age of 11, this environment led me to what I now call the “exile” from my true self. My inner world became walled off and inaccessible, protected as a survival mechanism. Reclaiming these lost parts has been a long and challenging journey, and only recently—this past Friday—did I recover the last fractured remnants.
Your exploration of how filial piety is often emphasized in times of familial discord was particularly illuminating. The demand for obedience and loyalty in my own upbringing mirrored much of what you described, creating a framework where external expectations often took precedence over individuality. Rediscovering my inner compass has been a transformative process, much like your journey to reconnect with the “tao.”
Your insights into cleverness and hypocrisy, as well as chaos and loyalty, make sense. Yet they are also shaped by wanting to exercise power over, of which manipulation is one form. These dynamics transcend cultures, revealing shared human struggles. As you noted, cleverness untethered from authenticity often leads to manipulation, while loyalty in times of chaos becomes a necessity rather than a choice as it might mean your extinction. These reflections are unfortunately especially relevant again in today’s broader social and political climate.
On a more personal note, I have a photo of a Norwegian mountain on my door, paired with Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mountain Meditation and Lao Tzu’s words: “Watch your thoughts, words, actions, habits, character—they become your destiny.” - in short. The image serves as a daily reminder of steadiness and reflection, often remembering me at moments when reconnecting with my own foundation feels most needed. Reading your essay alongside this visual reminder created a quiet sense of connection, showing how universal these themes can be.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece. It has helped me reflect not only on the intersections of our experiences but also on the shared threads of humanity that transcend cultures and histories.