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Tao Te Ching · 65 of 81

Chapter 65

The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao did so, not to enlighten the people, but rather to make them simple and ignorant.

The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much knowledge. He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing.

He who knows these two things finds in them also his model and rule. Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call the mysterious excellence (of a governor). Deep and far-reaching is such mysterious excellence, showing indeed its possessor as opposite to others, but leading them to a great conformity to him.

Asked of Guide

Why does Lao Tzu say rulers should make people “simple and ignorant”?

Lao Tzu describes rulers who practice the Tao as shaping people toward simplicity so social life stays easy to govern; complexity and excess knowledge create difficulty and invite trouble. He argues governing by cleverness becomes a scourge, while allowing people to remain unencumbered and ordinary becomes a blessing.

This chapter calls that stance a “mysterious excellence”: a ruler who embodies that model appears different yet draws everyone into conformity through quiet example. Compare Chuang Tzu, who praises lowliness and receptivity—being “lower than” others—to hold and guide without force.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoism66. 1. That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they;--it is thus that they are the Cosmic Consciousness · Esotericwhat is small is great, and a few as many; and to recompense injury with kindness [166: 106]. That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the Rig Veda · Hinduism1. FORTH on their way the glorious drops have flowed for maintenance of Law, Knowing this sacrifice's course. 2. Down in the mighty waters sinks the stream of meath, most excellent