Tao-te ching commentary on chapter 44

Tao-te ching comments

Chapter 44

Quote

Fame or person
What is the most valuable good?

The person or the material goods
Which is more valuable?

The gain or the loss
What is the poison?

Too much attachment
Leads to exhaustion.
Too much detachment
Lead to heavy losses.

Being satisfied with a little
Avoid all disgrace.

Who knows how to restrain himself
Don't encounter danger
And can last. (Ma Kou version, translated from French)

Comment

Here the problem is not to recognize what is desirable: frame or person, person or material goods etc. But to avoid what is too much.

It is better to restrain and be satisfied with a little thus avoiding dangers and keep alive.

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Commentary by Jhian.