This chapter emphasizes that nature's extremes are brief, and so are human efforts. Aligning with the Tao brings harmony, while lack of trust breeds distrust.
Key Concepts
Naturalness
希言
道者同于道
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 23, "Rare Words, Natural Truth", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/en/chapters/23/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
Rare words come naturally. Thus a whirlwind does not last all morning, a sudden rain does not last all day. Who causes these? Heaven and earth. Even heaven and earth cannot make them last long, how much less humans? Therefore, one who follows the Way is at one with the Way. One who follows virtue is at one with virtue. One who loses the Way is at one with loss. Those at one with the Way, the Way welcomes them gladly. Those at one with virtue, virtue welcomes them gladly. Those at one with loss, loss welcomes them gladly. When trust is insufficient, there will be distrust.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter emphasizes that nature's extremes are brief, and so are human efforts. Aligning with the Tao brings harmony, while lack of trust breeds distrust.
How does it relate to me?
I often push too hard for quick results. This reminds me to be patient and trust the natural flow, rather than forcing outcomes.
What should I do today?
Today, before acting on impulse, I will pause and take three deep breaths, letting things unfold naturally instead of forcing them. Like a storm, urgency fades if given space.
Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!
AI Modern
Rare words come naturally. Thus a whirlwind does not last all morning, a sudden rain does not last all day. Who causes these? Heaven and earth. Even heaven and earth cannot make them last long, how much less humans? Therefore, one who follows the Way is at one with the Way. One who follows virtue is at one with virtue. One who loses the Way is at one with loss. Those at one with the Way, the Way welcomes them gladly. Those at one with virtue, virtue welcomes them gladly. Those at one with loss, loss welcomes them gladly. When trust is insufficient, there will be distrust.
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
