Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 72. Loving yourself

Chapter 72. Loving yourself

When the people don’t have correct fear for the current dangers, they plunge forward into even worse dangers¹.

Let them be cautious, that they don’t expand their house tired of the current state of things.

If they don’t despise it, no such weariness is born.

Drawn heart with text
PD by artist and uploader Vsion

This is why the wise one, even if he has self-esteem, does not brag.

He loves but does not place himself high.

That is how he avoids pride and is content.


  1. Mr. Ervast: “Or: When people don’t fear the majesty of power they are plunged deeper into the hands of reign of terror.

Own translation from 1925 Finnish translation by Pekka Ervast (ISBN 951-8995-01-X) with kind permission of Ruusu-Ristin Kirjallisuusseura ry.

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