Tao Te Ching 72

In this particular day I shall interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 72.  In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“72. When the people do not fear of what is dreadful,

Then what is greatly dreadful will descend on them.

Do not reduce the living space of their dwellings.

Do not oppress their lives.

It is because you do not oppress them that they are not

                oppressed.

Therefore the sage knows himself but does not show himself.

He loves himself but does not exalt himself.

Therefore he rejects the one but accepts the other.” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse.  The theme of the verse revolves around the concept of humility.  Lao Tzu considers the virtue of humility as primary and essential.  It is being faithful to what one is.  Too much confidence on oneself leads one to downfall.  This is because the individual does things that are not necessary.

 Let us go over the first six lines in the verse.

“When the people do not fear of what is dreadful,

Then what is greatly dreadful will descend on them.

Do not reduce the living space of their dwellings.

Do not oppress their lives.

It is because you do not oppress them that they are not

                oppressed.”

The notion of humility is expressed in not overestimating or underestimating things.   It means that a humble one welcomes both small and great things as they come. He is not anxious about them but he does what he can do based on his capacities.   Whether he is full of talents or less of them, he remains lowly.   An example would be when a dictator implements hideous policies to instill fear into the people in order to keep them contained.  He invokes subservience because he dreads to be overpowered by the people.  Such method, although gives clear results, actually yields an opposite effect.  Such oppression, instead of containment, can fuel the courage of the people to rebel.  This rebellion, therefore, can yield to worse results such as wars and conflicts. 

These values blind one from what is really essential in life, especially in getting along with people or in leading a state. Having too much pride and conceit makes one restrict his actions and overdo things, lessening the opportunity of one to nurture his natural capabilities and preserve what he already has.  Being humble does not only make one free from anxiety or insecurities, but rather it also makes one be in harmony with himself and others.

Now let us continue with the remaining lines in the verse.

“Therefore the sage knows himself but does not show himself.

He loves himself but does not exalt himself.

Therefore he rejects the one but accepts the other.”

These last lines express humility in the sense of forgetting selfish desires or gains.  He rejects love for himself and accepts not to exalt himself. A humble one prefers not to be known by many but by good deeds. In not thinking about one’s gains of power and fame, an individual can live more meaningfully.  In being humble, an individual frees himself from the possibility of instilling negative thoughts to people around him, thus lessening the possibility of stirring chaos and disorder.

Lao Tzu introduces the concept of humility as a fundamental characteristic to become a sage.  This is because it is in humility that one prevents himself from delusions of grandeur.  In being humble, one can peacefully co-exist with the people and other beings around him.  Humility allows one to appreciate others first and finds inner contentment in doing it.

Source:

1      1. Wing Tsit Chan, “The Natural Way of Lao Tzu”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 173.