# Chapter XXXVII explained — Tao Te Ching

> Chapter companion for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

## What happens

This chapter describes the Tao as acting without deliberate effort, yet accomplishing everything. It suggests that if rulers could embody this principle, all things would naturally transform. When desire arises, it should be calmed by the nameless simplicity, leading to stillness and the natural order of all things.

## Themes in this chapter

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

The Tao does nothing for the sake of doing, yet nothing is left undone, exemplifying the principle of wu wei.

### Simplicity and Humility

The nameless simplicity is presented as the means to quell desire and restore stillness.

### Return to Origins and Stillness

With no desire, at rest and still, all things go right as of their will, emphasizing the return to stillness.

## Key lines

> The Tao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do.

The Tao naturally acts without deliberate effort, and therefore accomplishes everything.

_Illustrates the paradox of wu wei: non-action leads to complete effectiveness._

> If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the desire by the nameless simplicity.

If I were to desire transformation, I would still it through the formless simplicity of the Tao.

_Simplicity is the antidote to desire, restoring harmony._

## Links

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