In Western culture, the Tao Te Ching is thought to be more about the individual than the state, but that is not the case. Like The Art of War by Sun Tzu and the writings of Confucius that came later, the Tao is more a text about governance than individuality. Lao-tze, its purported author, was thought to have lived to 87 years of age, but whether he lived at all has been disputed. Lao-tze means “old master”. His real name was said to have been Li, meaning “plum”.

The text itself is a study of contrasts and contradictions like the author himself. If one described the Tao Te Ching as a way of thinking by refusing to think, that would not be inconsistent with its teachings. Lao-Tze considered knowledge not a virtue, and that a government run by philosophers would be a disaster waiting to happen. Philosopher kings, contrary to Plato, would ruin what is natural with theory and be moved to incapacity by their willingness and inclination to argue. Lao-tze, in spite of his contradictory beliefs, was much revered even in his own time. Not only was he the original advocate of Less is More but is said to have had a profound influence on the young Confucius.

There is a doubtful story of their meeting when Confucius was 34 years old. Lao-tze is said to have told the future sage that a great man, in spite of his achievements, is simple in both manners and appearance and suggested that Confucius rid himself of ambition, pride, and any high-minded aims, since his character gained nothing from these.

In response, the most influential philosopher of all time sensed the wisdom in those words and took no offense, saying instead to his pupils upon his return: “I know how birds can fly, fishes swim, and animals run. But the runner may be snared, the swimmer hooked, and the flyer shot by the arrow. But there is the dragon—I cannot tell how he mounts on the wind through the clouds, and rises to heaven. Today I have seen Lao-tze, and can compare him only to the dragon.” (Will Durant, The Story of Civilization, Volume 1)

Consider the following from Verse 81 of Stephen Mitchell’s translation of the Tao Te Ching:

True words aren’t eloquent;
eloquent words aren’t true.
Wise men don’t need to prove their point;
men who need to prove their point aren’t wise.

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.

The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating, the Master leads.

May the New Year bring you wonders and great joy.