My first book review-Tao Te Ching

The elegant book cover of Tao Te Ching that pictures “A Spring Breeze, by Yun Shouping”, got my attention in one of the bookstores. The book was written in BC in the 200s by Laozi, a library officer in China, and presents a pocket guide for readers who seek an authentic way to pursue virtue. While reading the book, I occasionally become a commander of an army or the ruler of China.

In the book, “You” and “Wu” are the two main functions of the creator, Dao, who is the creator of the universe. “You” is a self-potency, and “wu” is the functional authority. Laozi advises us to become followers of Dao and live in harmony with Mother Earth. According to Laozi, Dao creates without reasoning, and our actions should be causeless. Does it make you feel like your goals are pointless? Dao regards my being and a tree from the same perspective. But what matters for Dao is our functions. A tree gives oxygen to nature in daylight, right? Easy to predict. But what about me? How should I live a life without making goals? How should I live a life randomly? I am confused at this point.

I continued to read and debate the passages in my mind. Laozi always tells me to avoid excessive consumption, such as knowledge, power, and fame. Be humble! Do not exaggerate your wit and wisdom! Avoid competition. This ancient advices are astonishing. Moreover, Laozi tells us to trust people even if they are untrustworthy and do good things no matter what. Wait! What? I admit that living such a life brings power because there is no disappointment. If I live like this, how am I compatible with today’s world that gives popularity to different things like cruelty and deceiving people for power and money? That’s the challenging part, I guess.

Laozi, I learned to seek tranquility and aim only for good from you. You wrote a guide about just being, and your point of view amazed me! I love all of the passages, but I still have some critiques! Let’s discuss!