# Endnotes explained — Tao Te Ching

> Chapter companion for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

## What happens

The endnotes provide detailed commentary on various chapters of the Tao Te Ching, explaining the titles, textual variations, interpretations by different scholars (e.g., Wu Chʽêng, Chu Hsi, Wang Pi, Ho-shang Kung), and cross-references to other chapters and classical texts. They clarify themes such as the Tao as the ultimate principle, the operation of contraries, non-action (wu wei), humility, simplicity, and the critique of conventional virtue, while also noting historical and textual issues.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Tao as the Ultimate Principle

The endnotes repeatedly emphasize the Tao as the central, unnamed principle underlying the teachings, e.g., 'the idea of it was evidently in the writer’s mind' and 'the Tao, the course of events—Providence.'

### Wu Wei (Non-Action or Effortless Action)

Discussed in relation to chapters 45, 48, and 64; described as 'not an absolute quiescence and inaction, but had a method in it' and linked to the condition of non-action.

### Simplicity and Humility

Highlighted in chapters 65 ('pure, unmixed excellence'), 66 ('putting one's self last'), and 71 ('returning to simplicity'), showing the Tao's power through humility and artless freedom.

### Paradox and Reversal

Noted as a key device: 'the procedure of the Tao by contraries' (chapter 63) and 'examples of the procedure of the Tao by contraries' (chapter 68).

## Character check-ins

### Laozi

Referenced as the author of the Tao Te Ching; his teachings are the subject of the endnotes.

### Wu Chʽêng

Cited multiple times for his commentary and textual interpretations (e.g., uniting chapters, explaining yang/yin, and reading 車 after 糞).

### Chu Hsi

Mentioned as adopting a specific reading (朱子大全, XVIII 7 a).

### Wang Pi

His text and commentary are referenced; his reading of 'My Tao' in chapter 67 is noted.

### Ho-shang Kung

His text is mentioned as the basis for some ancient copies; his commentary on chapter 74 is noted as inexplicable.

### Stanislas Julien

Translations by Julien are cited (e.g., 'simple and ignorant', 'fléau', 'frapper un coup décisif', 'L’Empire est comme un vase divin').

### Chiao Hung

Quoted for his commentary, including a passage from Kumārajīva and a note on the use of 而.

### Chuang Tzŭ

Mentioned as containing parts of chapter 48 and as a source where the teaching of chapter 63 is not found.

## Key lines

> The chapter is another illustration of the working of the Tao by contraries.

This chapter demonstrates how the Tao operates through opposites.

_Commentary on chapter 45 (洪德)._

> It is only by the Tao that the world can be won.

The world can only be conquered through the Tao.

_Commentary on chapter 48 (忘知)._

> The mind of the sage is free from preoccupation and able to receive; still, and able to

The sage's mind is unburdened and receptive, calm and capable.

_Fragment from commentary on chapter 49 (任德), attributed to a Sung emperor._

> The three things are the three distinguishing qualities of the possessor of the Tao, the three great moral qualities appearing in its followers, the qualities, we may venture to say, of the Tao itself.

The three precious things are the defining moral qualities of someone who embodies the Tao, and indeed of the Tao itself.

_Commentary on chapter 67 (三寶)._

> War is contrary to the spirit of the Tao, and, as being so, is productive of misery, and leads to early ruin.

War opposes the Tao's nature, causing suffering and hastening destruction.

_Commentary on chapter 68 (儉武)._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters