Chapter 23
Rare Words, Natural Truth
Original
希言自然。故飘风不终朝，骤雨不终日。孰为此者？天地。天地尚不能久，而况于人乎？
故从事于道者，道者同于道，德者同于德，失者同于失。同于道者，道亦乐得之；同于德者，德亦乐得之；同于失者，失亦乐得之。信不足焉，有不信焉。
故从事于道者，道者同于道，德者同于德，失者同于失。同于道者，道亦乐得之；同于德者，德亦乐得之；同于失者，失亦乐得之。信不足焉，有不信焉。
Translation
Rare words come naturally. Thus a whirlwind does not last all morning, a sudden rain does not last all day. Who causes these? Heaven and earth. Even heaven and earth cannot make them last long, how much less humans? Therefore, one who follows the Way is at one with the Way. One who follows virtue is at one with virtue. One who loses the Way is at one with loss. Those at one with the Way, the Way welcomes them gladly. Those at one with virtue, virtue welcomes them gladly. Those at one with loss, loss welcomes them gladly. When trust is insufficient, there will be distrust.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter emphasizes that nature's extremes are brief, and so are human efforts. Aligning with the Tao brings harmony, while lack of trust breeds distrust.
How does it relate to me?
I often push too hard for quick results. This reminds me to be patient and trust the natural flow, rather than forcing outcomes.
What should I do today?
Today, before acting on impulse, I will pause and take three deep breaths, letting things unfold naturally instead of forcing them. Like a storm, urgency fades if given space.
Related Chapters
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?