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<title>03 - Chapters 19 - 24</title>
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18.

When people lose touch with Tao,
they start talking about 
"righteousness" and "sanctity."

When people forget what's true,
they start talking about 
"self-evident truths."

When people have no respect
for one another,
they start talking about 
"political correctness" 
and "family values."

When the nation is unstable,
people start talking about "patriotism."


19.

Get rid of sanctity.
People will understand the truth 
and be happier.

Get rid of morality.
People will respect each other 
and do what's right.

Get rid of value and profit.
People will not steal
if they do not desire.

If that's not possible, go to Plan B:
Be simple. Be real.
Do your work as best you can. 
Don't think about what you get for it.
Stay focused. Get rid of all your crap.


20.

Don't spend too much time 
thinking about stupid shit.
Why should you care
if people agree or disagree with you?
Why should you care 
if others find you attractive or not?
Why should you care 
about things that worry others?
Call bullshit on all that.

Let other people 
get worked up 
and try to enjoy themselves.
I'm not going to give myself away.
A baby doesn't know how to smile, 
but it's still happy.

Let other people
get excited about stuff.
I'm not going to hang on to anything.
I'm not going to fill my mind with ideas.
I'm not going to get stuck in a rut, 
tied down to any one place.

Other people are clever;
I guess I must be stupid.
Other people have goals;
I guess I must be aimless.
Like the wind. Or the waves.

I'm not like other people.
I'm getting right with Tao.


21.

A Master stays focused on Tao.
Nothing else, just Tao.

But you can't pin Tao down--
you can't even see it!
How are you supposed to focus on something like that?

Just remember what Lao Tzu said: 
The universe began as a void.
The void fills with images.
Images lead to the creation of objects.
And every object has Tao at its core.

That's the way it's been, 
ever since the world began.
How can I be so sure?
I just know.


22.

Learn how to stand still 
if you want to go places.
Get on your knees
if you want to stand tall.
If you want wisdom, 
empty your mind.
If you want the world, 
renounce your riches.
Push yourself until you're exhausted, 
and then you'll find your strength.

You can go far
if you don't have anything to carry.
The more you acquire,
the less you can really see.

A Master takes this to heart
and sets an example 
for everybody else.

She doesn't show off
so people take notice.
She's not out to prove anything
so people take her at her word.
She doesn't brag about herself
but people know what she's done.
She hasn't got an agenda
but people know what she can do.
She's not out to get anybody
so nobody can get in her way.

"Learn how to stand still 
if you want to go places."
That's not as crazy as it sounds.
Get in touch with Tao,
and you'll see what I mean.


23.

When you have nothing to say,
you may as well keep your mouth shut.
The wind and the rain 
don't go on forever.
If nature knows enough 
to give it a rest sometimes,
so should you.

If you're ready for Tao,
 you can live with Tao.
If you're ready to succeed,
you can live with success.
If you're ready to fail, 
you can live with failure.

Trust your instincts, 
and others will trust you.


24.

Keep your feet firmly planted
unless you want to fall on your face.
Learn how to pace yourself 
if you want to get anywhere.
Don't call attention to yourself 
if you want people to notice your work.

Nobody respects people 
who always have excuses.
Nobody gives credit to people 
who always take it.
People who hype themselves 
have nothing else to offer.

Think of being in touch with Tao 
like eating at a buffet:
Take only what you need.
Save some for everybody else.


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