Ideas from 'Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)' by Laozi (Lao Tzu) [530 BCE], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Tao Te Ching' by Lao Tzu (ed/tr Lau,D.C.) [Penguin 1963,0-14-044131-X]].

green numbers give full details    |     back to texts     |     expand these ideas


1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People
Wise people choose inaction and silence
One who knows does not speak; one who speaks does not know
1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy
Vulgar people are alert; I alone am muddled
11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge
To know yet to think that one does not know is best
Pursuit of learning increases activity; the Way decreases it
19. Language / F. Communication / 1. Rhetoric
Truth is not beautiful; beautiful speech is not truthful
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death
One with no use for life is wiser than one who values it
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love
Do good to him who has done you an injury
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue
The highest virtue is achieved without effort
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue
To gain in goodness, treat as good those who are good, and those who are not
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / g. Desires
There is no crime greater than having too many desires
24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / a. Autocracy
The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited
24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government
People are hard to govern because authorities love to do things
25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / a. Legal system
The better known the law, the more criminals there are
25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / e. Peace
A military victory is not a thing of beauty