“ When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained by letting things go their own way. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | way things mastery |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“In pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things, until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.
It can't be gained by interfering.
49 The Master has no mind of her own.
She works with the mind of the people. She is good to people who are good.
” source
In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things, until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained
by letting things go their own way.
It can't be gained by interfering.
49 The Master has no mind of her own.
She works with the mind of the people. She is good to people who are good.
” source
Meaning and analysis
