# XXIII explained — Tao Te Ching

> Chapter companion for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

## What happens

This chapter emphasizes the value of abstaining from speech and aligning with the spontaneity of nature. Using the metaphors of a violent wind and sudden rain that cannot last, it argues that even Heaven and Earth cannot sustain extreme actions, so humans should not either. Those who pursue the Tao, its manifestation, or even fail in both can find happiness through agreement and faith, while lack of faith leads to distrust.

## Themes in this chapter

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

Abstaining from speech and avoiding extreme actions align with wu wei, as even Heaven and Earth cannot sustain violent outbursts.

### The Tao as the Ultimate Principle

The chapter centers on making the Tao one's business and finding happiness through agreement with it, emphasizing the Tao as the guiding principle.

## Character check-ins

### Laozi

The speaker of the chapter's wisdom, advocating for non-action and alignment with the Tao.

## Key lines

> Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature.

Remaining silent is a sign that one is following their natural, unforced way of being.

_Highlights the Taoist ideal of non-action and naturalness._

> A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day.

Even the most intense storms are short-lived.

_Uses natural imagery to illustrate that extreme actions are unsustainable._

> If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!

If the cosmos itself cannot sustain sudden outbursts, humans certainly cannot.

_Emphasizes human limitation and the folly of forceful behavior._

> Therefore when one is making the Tao his business, those who are also pursuing it, agree with him in it, and those who are making the manifestation of its course their object agree with him in that; while even those who are failing in both these things agree with him where they fail.

Those who follow the Tao, those who follow its outward expression, and even those who fail in both can find common ground with the sage.

_Illustrates the inclusive nature of the Tao, which unites all levels of understanding._

> Hence, those with whom he agrees as to the Tao have the happiness of attaining to it; those with whom he agrees as to its manifestation have the happiness of attaining to it; and those with whom he agrees in their failure have also the happiness of attaining (to the Tao).

Whether one agrees on the Tao, its expression, or even on failure, all can find joy in reaching the Tao.

_Reinforces that the Tao accommodates all, even those who stumble._

> (But) when there is not faith sufficient (on his part), a want of faith (in him) ensues (on the part of the others).

If a person lacks trustworthiness, others will distrust him in return.

_A warning about the reciprocal nature of faith and integrity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters