Chapter 55

The Virtue of Innocence

赤子 含德 和 精

Original

含德之厚，比于赤子。毒虫不螫，猛兽不据，攫鸟不搏。骨弱筋柔而握固。
未知牝牡之合而朘作，精之至也。终日号而不嗄，和之至也。
知和曰常，知常曰明。益生曰祥，心使气曰强。物壮则老，谓之不道，不道早已。

Translation

One who is filled with virtue is like a newborn child. Poisonous insects do not sting it, wild beasts do not attack it, birds of prey do not strike it. Its bones are weak and its sinews soft, yet its grip is firm. It does not yet know the union of male and female, yet its penis is aroused—this is the peak of vitality. It cries all day without becoming hoarse—this is the peak of harmony. To know harmony is to know the constant; to know the constant is to be enlightened. To force growth is harmful; to control with the mind is to be strong. When things reach their prime, they age. This is not the Way, and what is not the Way soon ends.

Deep Reflection

What is this chapter about?

This chapter compares the person of deep virtue to a newborn infant, who is naturally in harmony with life. It emphasizes that true strength comes from softness and vitality, not from forcing or controlling. The infant's innocence and spontaneous harmony are the ideal state, while striving and forcing lead to premature decline.

How does it relate to me?

I often push myself to achieve more, thinking that effort and control are the keys to success. But this chapter reminds me that true vitality comes from a state of natural harmony, like a baby who is effortlessly alive. I realize that my constant striving might be draining my energy and leading to burnout.

What should I do today?

Today, I will take a few moments to observe a child or an animal and notice how they move and rest without forcing. I will then try to bring that same ease into one activity I do, letting go of the need to control the outcome.

Related Chapters

10 Embracing Unity 28 Returning to the Simple 30 The Way of Non-Aggression 50 The Art of Living 52 Returning to the Source

My Reflection

What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?

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