While doing the assigned readings in the Tao Te Ching there were a few selections that really had an influence on me. First, was Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is all about the idea of no self interest. It talks about how the reason Heaven and Earth can last forever is that they do not exist for themselves. One direct quote I really liked was, “Place themselves last but end up in front.” This quote reminded me of a saying my parents would often say to me growing up. Whenever I would get in trouble or do something wrong they would remind me to always treat others how I would want to be treated. This just emphasized how important selflessness is in today’s world. Another Chapter I read with a similar message was Chapter 49. Chapter 49 was all about not judging people and treating others how you want to be treated. My favorite quote from this chapter was, “Those who believe, I believe them. Those who do not believe, I also believe them.”
Another chapter that I felt had a really great message was Chapter 63. This chapter revolved around the idea of the largest and most difficult problems in the world must be completed in little things. The chapter states, “Plan difficult tasks through the simplest tasks. Achieve large tasks through the smallest tasks.” Growing up my parents always emphasized the importance of setting small goals. Looking back at it these small goals were just a small part of the overall larger goal my parents had for myself. I feel like this chapter also relates to current problems going on throughout the world. For example, with all of the issues with the Coronavirus there will not be one large solution to this epidemic. It will take many small tasks of washing hands, and disinfecting objects to contain this massive health problem.
I look forward to reading more chapters as the semester progresses and making connections with my life and the world around us.