I would not try to learn about Taoism by just memorizing a few quotes; the underlying principles are much more important than the quotes, and it does not really matter if it was Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu or Chuang-Tzu who formulated the principle.
To make things worse, Taoist quotes can prove misleading. If Lao-Tzu’s quotes are placed out of context, they will likely generate confusion instead of providing spiritual guidance. The same observation applies to quotes drawn from Yang-Tzu’s and Chuang-Tzu’s writings.
For instance, let us take Chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching. In a modern formulation, it says: “A truly wealthy person is the one who has realized that he already has enough.” If I just give this quote without explaining the context, it becomes hard to distinguish Taoism from Christianity.
Chapter 56 of the Tao Te Ching provides another example of open-ended meaning. In a modern enunciation, it says that “if we abandon all impositions and constraints, the world will govern itself just fine.” If I quote those words without context, it would be fair to ask if they point to Taoism or to Buddhism.
Taoism as a mentality
Why is it so difficult to apprehend Taoist philosophy from a few isolated quotes? It is extremely difficult because Taoism is more an attitude than a narrowly-defined set of beliefs. I would rather depict Taoism as a method of thinking, a personal style, or a mentality.
Neither Lao-Tzu, nor Yang-Tzu nor Chuang-Tzu expected their disciples to venerate the Taoist articles of faith, the Taoist credo or the Taoist nutrition program because those don’t exist.
In fact, it would be contrary to the Tao Te Ching to preach a single, unique interpretation of anything. Taoists vow to align their actions with the Tao, but the Tao is as changing, adaptable and flexible as nature itself.
Many Taoist stories ridicule narrow-minded people because of their inability to understand the Tao. If we stick to one point of view, one production method, one diet, one type of exercise, and one long-term plan, we will suffer the consequences of our rigidity.
Taoist quotes, however copious and lengthy, rarely convey the essential feature of the Taoist mentality, namely, a complete absence of anxiety and preoccupation. If anything, Taoism may be defined as the ultimate anti-stress philosophy, the ultimate recipe for fearless living.
The Tao Te Ching and alertness
Chapter 9 of the Tao Te Ching depicts this attitude by means of warnings: “If we fill our cup to the brim, the liquid will spill and, if we sharpen our knife too often, we’ll damage the blade; and if we chase wealth and security, we’ll become its servants.”
Lao-Tzu ends Chapter 9 with a conclusion that embodies a key Taoist idea. In a modern formulation, it reads: “The path to serenity consists of just doing what’s needed and then stepping back.” If we follow this prescription, we will avoid filling our cups, our plans, our agendas and calendars to the brim.
The Taoist mentality also distinguishes itself by its profound reluctance to accept any statement at face value. When people categorise something as obviously good or obviously bad, the Taoist will take a step back and question the majority opinion.
Chuang-Tzu wrote dozens of stories to sharpen our intellect and increase our alertness. Nothing is as good or as bad as one had originally thought. What everybody discards as worthless, might contain great value if we learn to perceive it as exploit it.
Wu Wei and the Taoist attitude
One of Chuang-Tzu’s metaphors revolves around a crooked, malformed tree that had survived and thrived, while beautiful, tall trees were felled by woodcutters. Beauty and large size had made those trees so appealing that woodcutters had felled them one after the other. What looked good turned out badly.
How are Taoists capable of keeping a cool head in the face of conflicts, errors and setbacks? What renders them uniquely peaceful and balanced? Taoist serenity relies on the practice of Wu Wei, that is, the non-action principle.
When facing severe trouble, most people freeze, lose heart, and fall prey to anxiety. In contrast, Taoists will automatically step aside, look for cover, and watch the storm from afar.
Taoists trust their analytical capabilities more than they trust their impulses. Chapter 16 of the Tao Te Ching commends us to “watch the turmoil of the world” and “immerse ourselves in the Tao, so that we learn to deal with any problems that might confront us.”
If those quotes summarize the Taoist mentality, why is it not sufficient to memorize them and put them into practice? Lao-Tzu lived in the 6th century BC amidst primitive technology, war and famine. Should it not be easier to draw the benefits of Taoism in our century?
No, it is not because distractions and temptations have also multiplied. Even in the 16th century, it was already extremely difficult to embrace a peaceful, smooth lifestyle, steering away from conflicts and focusing on what needs to be done.
Taoism and Francis of Sales
St. Francis of Sales (1567-1622) was almost unique in this respect. His large success as a preacher and organizer rested on his soft approach, as soft as the ideas presented by Lao-Tzu in the Tao Te Ching.
When Francis of Sales decided to renounce his legal career to become a priest, he encountered intense criticism from his father, but instead of ignoring his father’s concerns, he devoted endless efforts to seek reconciliation.
Similarly, when Francis of Sales served as Catholic priest in Geneva, he met the opposition from other confessions, but did not engage in bitter debates. He remained calm, friendly, ready to show charity and compassion towards everybody.
Francis of Sales was a contemporary of Cardinal Bellarmine (1542-1621) and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), but stood aside from controversies. I do not think that he ever read the Tao Te Ching, but he operated with utmost smoothness, as though he had been a veritable Taoist master.
Not only did Francis of Sales steer away from obstacles, but befriended people who did exactly the same. I am referring in particular to St. Jean Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) and their common project to found the Order of the Visitation.
In their lifetimes, they saw the Order expand from one small convent in Annecy to ninety. The growth was fuelled solely by the soft skills of the founders. Both Francis of Sales and Jean Frances de Chantal worked indefatigably, but remained free of anxiety, just as though they had been adopting the ideas in the Tao Te Ching.
In Chapter 63 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu commends us to “accomplish great things by taking small steps.” Let us keep this piece of advice in mind, especially when reading about the achievements of someone like St. Francis of Sales. The lesson takes a while to sink in, but its effects can prove invaluable.
If you are interested in putting effective insights into daily practice, I recommend my book “The 10 Principles of Rational Living.”