# LXXX explained — Tao Te Ching

> Chapter companion for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

## What happens

Laozi describes an ideal small state with a sparse population, where advanced tools and weapons are unused, the people return to simple living and knotted cords, and neighboring states exist in isolation without interaction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Simplicity and Humility

The chapter advocates for a return to primitive simplicity, rejecting advanced technology and complex social structures.

### Return to Origins and Stillness

The vision of knotted cords and isolated communities emphasizes a return to an original, peaceful state.

## Character check-ins

### Laozi

The speaker of the ideal state vision in this chapter.

## Key lines

> I would make the people return to the use of knotted cords (instead of the written characters).

I would have the people abandon writing and revert to the ancient method of recording events with knotted cords.

_Symbolizes a rejection of complex civilization in favor of primal simplicity._

> There should be a neighbouring state within sight, and the voices of the fowls and dogs should be heard all the way from it to us, but I would make the people to old age, even to death, not have any intercourse with it.

Though a neighboring state is so close that one can hear its chickens and dogs, the people would live and die without ever interacting with it.

_Highlights the ideal of complete self-sufficiency and isolation._

## Links

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