# LXXIX explained — Tao Te Ching

> Chapter companion for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

## What happens

This chapter discusses the lingering resentment that remains after a great animosity is reconciled, and how the sage, embodying the Tao, holds only to the left-hand portion of the agreement without demanding immediate fulfillment. It contrasts the virtuous person who regards the conditions of the engagement with the unvirtuous who seeks only personal advantage, concluding that Heaven's Way always favors the good.

## Themes in this chapter

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

The sage does not insist on speedy fulfillment, embodying effortless action by allowing the natural resolution of grievances.

### The Soft Overcoming the Hard

By holding only to the left-hand portion and not demanding repayment, the sage uses softness to overcome the hardness of lingering resentment.

## Character check-ins

### Laozi

Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the sage's approach to reconciliation and the impartiality of Heaven.

## Key lines

> When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)?

After a major conflict is resolved, the wronged party still harbors resentment, which cannot benefit the other.

_Highlights the persistent nature of grudges even after formal reconciliation._

> Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party.

To avoid this, the wise person holds the less demanding side of the agreement and does not pressure the other to fulfill it quickly.

_Illustrates the sage's practice of non-assertion and patience._

> In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.

Heaven's Way is impartial and always supports the virtuous person.

_Emphasizes the Tao's unbiased support for goodness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters