Tao Te Ching · Chapter
LVI explained
This chapter emphasizes the ineffability of the Tao, stating that those who truly know it do not speak of it.
What happens
This chapter emphasizes the ineffability of the Tao, stating that those who truly know it do not speak of it. It describes the sage who practices self-restraint, blending with the world by blunting sharpness, unraveling complications, and harmonizing with obscurity. Such a person achieves 'Mysterious Agreement' and transcends all distinctions of intimacy, distance, profit, injury, nobility, or meanness, becoming the noblest under heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Wu Wei (Non-Action or Effortless Action)
The sage's practice of keeping the mouth shut, closing the portals, and blunting sharp points reflects the principle of non-action and effortless alignment with the Tao.
Paradox and Reversal
The chapter presents the paradox that he who knows does not speak, and he who speaks does not know, illustrating the reversal of conventional wisdom.
Key passages
“He who knows (the Tao ) does not (care to) speak (about it); he who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it.”
True understanding of the Tao is beyond words; those who talk about it freely have not yet grasped it.
Highlights the ineffable nature of the Tao and the futility of verbal expression.
“He will blunt his sharp points and unravel the complications of things; he will attemper his brightness, and bring himself into agreement with the obscurity (of others).”
The sage softens his own edge, simplifies complexities, moderates his brilliance, and harmonizes with the darkness of others.
Describes the sage's practice of humility and accommodation.
“(Such an one) cannot be treated familiarly or distantly; he is beyond all consideration of profit or injury; of nobility or meanness:—he is the noblest man under heaven.”
Such a person is beyond all social distinctions and dualities—neither friend nor foe, beyond gain or harm, rank or lowliness—and is the highest of all.
Emphasizes the transcendent status of the sage who embodies the Tao.