Stanley F. Bronstein – Personal Development BlogPersonal Development Blog of the Founder of the Achievement IQ Movement and Creator of the Laws of Positioning

Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching

Who Was Lao Tzu?

Lao Tzu was the founder of a major world religion known as Taoism. You can read more about Lao Tzu and Taoism by clicking the links above to wikipedia.

What Is The Tao Te Ching?

Tao Te Ching literally translates into the “Way To Heaven.”

Previous Postings On The Tao Te Ching?

While each one of these posts is designed to be read separately and independently of each other, it would be useful if you read the previous posts on The Tao Te Ching, all of which can be found by clicking here, if you have not already done so.

A Quote From The Tao Te Ching

The very best are like water:  They benefit all things without trying to; they are content with low places that others dislike.

That is why water is so near to Heaven’s Way.

The very best in their homes love simplicity, in their hearts love what is deep, in their words love what is true, in friendship love what is gentle.

The very best in their world love what is peaceful, in government love what is orderly, in deeds love what is right, in actions love what is timely.

It is because they do not compete with others that they are loved by all.

Some Helpful Definitions First

I’d like to provide a few definitions before analyzing the quote.

Best – Of the highest quality, excellence or standing.  Most advantageous, suitable or desirable.

Benefit – To do good to; be of service to.

Try – To attempt to do or accomplish.

Content – Satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

Simplicity – Freedom from complexity or intricacy.  Sincerity.  Absence of luxury or pretentiousness.

Love – Strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything.

Deep -Not superficial; profound.  Heartfelt; sincere.

True -Real, genuine, authentic.

Gentle – Not severe, rough or violent; mild.  Honorable; respectable.

Peaceful -Free from commotion, violence or disorder.  Not argumentative, quarrelsome or hostile.

Orderly – Arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence.  Observant of or governed by system or method.  Disciplined, well-behaved, law-abiding.

Right -In accordance with what is good, proper or just.

Timely – Occurring at a suitable time.  Opportune.  Well-timed.

Compete – To strive to outdo another for acknowledgment or supremacy.

What Does This Quote Mean?

To me, the quote suggests that you are at your very best when you simply ARE; when you simply be YOURSELF; when you are NATURAL.

However, there is a second part to this equation.  Being what you simply are; being yourself; being natural is only good, IF you are naturally predisposed to the proper character traits.

If you are predisposed to evil; to bad traits, then being yourself is NOT a good thing. (although I guess you would still be the best, you would just simply be the best “bad” thing out there).

However, if you are predisposed to the proper traits, then you will be predisposed to being the best in a “good” way.

So, What Are Some Of These Traits

Just look at Lao Tzu’s quote above:

• To be of benefit to others;

• To not be afraid to try;

• Being content; being satisfied;

• Being simple; not being overly complicated;

• Being loving;

• Being profound;

• Being genuine;

• Being mild; not overly harsh; being honorable;

• Being peaceful;

• Being orderly;

• Doing what is proper;

• Striking when the moment is hot; acting at the proper time; and

• Not wasting your energy trying to outdo everyone else; simply be yourself.

What Do You Think?

Do you agree with Lao Tzu here?

Personally I agree with him “most of the time”, but I still think there are circumstances when one must (and should) violate the helpful precepts outlined above.

To me, that is part of acting appropriately; at the right time.  In other words, it is part of being the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

Recommended Reading

Laws of Positioning #3 – Position Yourself To Be Appreciative

Laws of Positioning #4 – Position Yourself To Be Balanced

Laws of Positioning #24 – Position Yourself To Be Disciplined

Laws of Positioning #40 – Position Yourself To Be Friendly / Pleasant

Laws of Positioning #59 – Position Yourself To Be Kind

Laws of Positioning #62 – Position Yourself To Be Loving (and Loved)

Laws of Positioning #93 – Position Yourself To Be Truthful

Laws of Positioning #98 – Position Yourself To Be Who You Are

Future Posts on the Tao Te Ching

In our next post of the Tao Te Ching, we will begin discussing “Silence” and “Knowing.”

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