LVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Wu Wei (Non-Action or Effortless Action)

  The chapter contrasts unwise, non-interfering government with meddling governance, illustrating the principle of wu-wei.

• Paradox and Reversal

  Happiness and misery are shown to be intertwined, and correction can turn into distortion, embodying the theme of paradox and reversal.

Characters to notice

• Laozi

  Implied author of the chapter's teachings on government and the sage's conduct.

Key passages

• “The government that seems the most unwise, Oft goodness to the people best supplies; That which is meddling, touching everything, Will work but ill, and disappointment bring.”

  A government that appears least clever often provides the greatest benefit to the people, while one that interferes in everything only causes harm and disappointment.

  Highlights the Taoist preference for non-interference in governance.

• “Misery!—happiness is to be found by its side! Happiness!—misery lurks beneath it!”

  Misery is always close to happiness, and happiness always conceals misery within it.

  Emphasizes the paradoxical interdependence of opposites.

• “Therefore the sage is (like) a square which cuts no one (with its angles); (like) a corner which injures no one (with its sharpness). He is straightforward, but allows himself no license; he is bright, but does not dazzle.”

  Thus the sage is like a square that does not cut, a corner that does not injure; he is direct without being reckless, and brilliant without being blinding.

  Describes the ideal conduct of the sage, blending strength with gentleness.