Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu elevated simplicity to a way of life, a principle that determines how Taoists think and behave. When simplicity becomes ingrained in our character, we do not need to remind ourselves to streamline our activities, reuse old resources, and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Taoists regard simplicity as a virtue because it sustains self-reliance and independent thought. It liberates individuals from the traps of artificiality and blind conformity, rendering them stronger and more resilient.

Chapter 22 of the Tao Te Ching enunciates the principle of simplicity: It is wise to fix what is broken and reuse what has been worn out. In doing so, Taoists render emptiness full. They create new resources out of items that had been discarded, left for worthless, or considered not good enough.

Lao-Tzu describes simplicity in Chapter 22 by employing a string of examples related to economy. In each case mentioned by Lao-Tzu, there is a clear economic advantage of repairing or reusing. Taoists will automatically assess those possibilities before engaging in new expenditures.

Nonetheless, we should not interpret Lao-Tzu’s exhortations as purely economically-minded. Where the Tao Te Ching reads “what’s broken becomes whole,” we can find encouragement to build unrelated items out of existing bits and pieces. Similarly, it means devising solutions by using tools conceived for other purposes.

I equally favour a broad interpretation of Lao-Tzu’s words “what’s worn out becomes new.” Its original meaning referred to textiles, but we should apply the same principle to all sorts of obsolete items, tools and technologies.

The Tao Te Ching and simplicity

The desired Taoist outcome, as described by Lao-Tzu in the Chapter 22 of the Tao Te Ching, is that “what’s empty becomes full.” It all revolves around creating new resources out of old, discarded, seemingly worthless items.

Why is simplicity aligned with the Tao? Because it enables people to survive and thrive on barren land. It enables them to make do with what’s available and getting things done. In the absence of simplicity, it becomes harder to solve problems and move forward.

Chuang-Tzu’s metaphor of the crooked tree exemplifies one of the key advantages of simplicity: The willingness to choose imperfect solutions, or to give preference to quick, inexpensive repairs over expensive, complex refurbishments.

In the story recounted by Chuang-Tzu, a crooked tree takes pride in its longevity and points out that woodcutters prefer to fell good-looking trees. The latter live relatively short lives due to their superficial appeal.

When it comes to human behaviour, Taoists will imitate the inconspicuousness of the crooked tree. They prefer to stay well below the radar and enjoy their possessions privately. Security becomes automatic and free-of-charge if we avoid attracting the attention of thieves and robbers.

Lao-Tzu and frugality

Taoists choose the simplest solution to problems: they take measures to prevent them from emerging in the first place. It is a waste of time and energy to address problems that we could have avoided or circumvented altogether.

Simplicity is aligned with the Tao because it follows natural paths. Taoists will look for simple methods to get things done with minimal investment, minimal learning curve, and minimal risk.

When Taoists purchase a new tool, they regard it as life-long acquisition. They will take care of it, maintain it, keep it clean and avoid overburdening it; they will not criticize people who display carelessness or neglect their tools, but will simply stay at a distance from them.

Taoists know Chuang-Tzu’s metaphor of the cook who had been using the same knife daily for nineteen years without ever damaging the blade. Long-term effectiveness, that’s their idea of simplicity.

For Lao-Tzu, simplicity is the indispensable companion of frugality. Chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching categorizes frugality as a major virtue or spiritual treasure. In the words of Lao-Tzu, the three treasures are “benevolence, frugality and modesty.”

Some translations employ the word “compassion” instead of “benevolence” or “kindness.” It comes to the same. Taoists are willing to share their possessions, however meagre, but only to the extent allowed by their own frugality and modesty.

Cycles and the Tao Te Ching

When Taoists share their food or lodgings, those will remain modest and simple. When they provide advice, they will do so in a succinct and straightforward manner. When they display their benevolence, they will bring people in alignment with the Tao, not away from it.

In the field of work, finance, health and personal relations, a Taoist will favour a long-term approach because of simplicity. They regard it as wasteful to change one’s profession without reason, or churn one’s investments, friends, or nutrition habits for the sake of chasing novelty.

Lao-Tzu considered it natural to practise one’s skills decade after decade, to draw a steady revenue from one’s investments, to take care of one’s health regularly, and to keep one’s friends for a lifetime.

In Chapter 40 of the Tao Te Ching, he states that “cycles are the movements of the Tao.” By cycles, Lao-Tzu did not mean a perfectly regular recurrence. The precise rhythm and pace will depend on one’s circumstances and stage in life.

Taoists cultivate their skills for years, not only their spiritual skills, but also their dexterity. Once they have mastered a trade or discipline, they intend to keep doing it for a lifetime.

Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu acknowledged the key importance of resting at regular intervals, but did not know the concept of retirement. I believe that they would have rated it as wasteful and misaligned with the Tao because it contradicts the Taoist principle of circular movement.

Simplicity shapes the complete Taoist philosophy because it embodies Lao-Tzu’s exhortation to set natural limits to desires, activities and emotions. In Chapter 44 of the Tao Te Ching, he says that “If we know when enough is enough, we will always have enough.”

Useless complexity is anathema to Taoism. Purposelessness is unnatural to human beings. In some cases, the purpose might be trivial or ritual, or simply the enjoyment of life. Individuals who complicate their lives for no reason have little grasp of Lao-Tzu’s teachings and will find Taoist philosophy puzzling.

If you are interested in putting effective ideas into practice in all sorts of situations, I recommend my book “Consistency: The key to permanent stress relief.”