The Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu
The Tao Te Ching cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 253
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-09-06
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Tao Te Ching is a foundational text of Taoism, composed of 81 brief chapters that convey deep philosophical and spiritual insights through poetic and often paradoxical statements. It emphasizes the Tao as the eternal, ineffable natural order underlying all existence, which cannot be fully understood but only experienced. The work advocates for living in accordance with the Tao by embracing simplicity, humility, and non-interference, contrasting with more interventionist philosophies like Confucianism. Highly influential across Eastern thought and beyond, the Tao Te Ching has been translated more often than any other work except the Bible. It has shaped religious Taoism, Chinese philosophy, and inspired various spiritual traditions worldwide. Its style combines memorable aphorisms with intentional contradictions, inviting readers to reflect deeply on the nature of life, governance, and harmony with the cosmos.

Reviews
reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20
enlightening 4.50

The Tao Te Ching offers profound insights into life and spirituality, emphasizing simplicity and harmony. Its teachings are timeless and universally applicable, making it a valuable read for personal growth and understanding.

The Tao Te Ching is a profound and timeless text that delves into the essence of life and spirituality. Its teachings on simplicity, harmony, and the natural flow of existence are both enlightening and practical. The book encourages readers to embrace a more mindful and balanced approach to life, which can be particularly beneficial in today's fast-paced world. The wisdom contained within its pages is universal and can be applied to various aspects of one's personal and spiritual journey. It's a book that invites multiple readings, as each passage can offer new insights and perspectives.

Quick quotes

    The highest type of ruler is one of whose existence the people are barely aware...

    Next after him is the ruler they love and praise...

    Next comes the one they fear...

    Next comes the one they despise and defy.

    When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

    The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

spiritualityandpractice.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20
insightful 4.00

The Tao Te Ching is praised as a roadmap for a joyful and peaceful life, requiring only an open mind and heart. The reviewer finds it surprising that more people haven't read it, highlighting its simplicity and profound wisdom.

The Tao Te Ching is described as a guide to navigating life's challenges with equanimity. The reviewer is astonished that more people haven't engaged with this text, emphasizing its simplicity and the profound impact it can have on one's life. The book is seen as a way to remove obstructions and align with the eternal Tao, which cannot be fully captured in words. The reviewer also draws a connection to Winnie the Pooh, suggesting that Pooh's carefree attitude aligns with Taoist principles. Overall, the book is viewed as a valuable resource for achieving a peaceful and joyful existence.

Quick quotes

    It is essentially a roadmap for navigating the pitfalls of planet Earth’s pesterers and provocateurs, providing those who read it with the definitive recipe for a joyful, peaceful, equanimous existence.

    That is it. Everything else will become clearer as you gradually begin to remove any obstructions from your pathway and, eventually, start to walk in lockstep with the eternal Tao.

    Pooh don’t worry bout none of that mess, though. Alls he needs is a nice big pot of honey and a red shirt.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-01-01
insightful 4.50

The Tao Te Ching is seen as a source of practical wisdom rather than a religious text, emphasizing inclusiveness and harmony. The concept of 'non-action' is highlighted as a key principle, encouraging a way of life that avoids judgmental thinking and greed.

The Tao Te Ching is appreciated for its practical wisdom and inclusiveness, offering advice that promotes harmony and peaceful community relations. Unlike religious texts that divide believers and non-believers, Taoism allows anyone to consider themselves a Taoist, regardless of their belief in the Tao. The concept of 'non-action' is central, encouraging a life free from judgmental thinking, desire, and greed. This principle is not about inaction but about the purest form of action, where one aligns with the natural flow of life. The book is both a quick read and a profound study, requiring the reader to engage deeply with its analogies and teachings to fully grasp its richness.

Quick quotes

    Where the Tao Te Ching parts company with religious attempts at morality such as the 10 Commandments is in its inclusiveness.

    Taoism seeks harmony by freeing the individual from the caustic effects of judgmental thinking, desire, and greed, and its fulcrum is the concept of “non-action,” or literally “doing not-doing.

    You can almost see the hacky sack and smell the patchouli. But there’s a truth to it that, if grasped, will change the way you think.

planksip.org · Unknown · 2024-12-11
interesting 3.50

The Tao Te Ching offers a unique perspective on leadership and wisdom, though some parts may be challenging to resonate with. It is poetic and provides a deeper understanding of Taoism and its cultural impacts.

The Tao Te Ching is a book that stands out due to its distinct approach to leadership and wisdom. It feels like advice aimed at young leaders, differentiating wise leadership from weak leadership. While the poetic style might not appeal to everyone, it offers valuable insights into Taoism and its influence on culture. The book provides a better understanding of the concept of Tao, which is described as the essence of everything, akin to mother nature but even more profound. Although not everyone might enjoy the poetic nature of the text, it's a worthwhile read for those interested in Taoism.

Quick quotes

    This book was interesting as it was very different to what I usually read.

    I find Taoism very interesting and would like to know more about the religion and its impacts on culture.

    I feel I have a better understanding of what Tao is now, it’s indescribable, but seems to be what everything is made of/comes from and is eventually where everything returns to.

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