Continue reading with Headway app
Continue reading
Summary of Tao Te Ching
Short summary
Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese philosophical text that has been cherished and passed on through centuries and generations. Originally written over 2000 years ago, it remains relevant, powerful, and impactful even in the realities of the 21st century.
The author of this sacred text is the renowned Lao-Tzu, an ancient Master of Thought and an influential figure in Chinese philosophy and literature.
This beautifully written classic, though relatively concise, will help you better understand the concept of Tao and the core ideas of Taoism. Nowadays, the wise words of Lao-Tzu can be helpful for those who are hoping to find inner balance and learn to live in harmony with the world.
This summary will help you learn more about the wonderful intricacies of Taoism and how they can be applied to better your life.
“Only through experience, only through living life to the full, in both the inner and outer worlds, can the true nature of the Tao be understood and communicated. Not through words.” ~ Lao-Tzu
14 min
7 key points
6 insights
Table of content
- Summary of Tao Te Ching
- About the author
- What is Tao Te Ching about?
- Who should read Tao Te Ching
- Topics in Tao Te Ching
first key point
The essence of Taoism is in the harmony and quiet
Listen the first key point
00:00
00:00
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy, comparable in its longevity and endurance only, perhaps, to Confucianism. Tao Te Ching, meaning The Tao and the Power, is its founding text, a collection of the core ideas and beliefs of true Taoists. This little book that consists of only about 5000 words has been translated, rewritten, analyzed, and repeatedly criticized, never ceasing to influence and transform the mindsets of its readers.
While Confucianism emphasizes the importance of order, traditions, duty, and definite hierarchy, Taoism, on the other hand, focuses on complete opposites. It highlights the value of inner freedom, constant cultivation of the self, meditation, and staying in touch with the harmonies of the cosmos. Confucianism is harsh and rigid, but Taoism is soft and gentle.
What is Tao? What is Taoism? These seemingly easy questions have no simple answers. The concept of Tao is indescribable, impossible to put into words. One of the literal meanings of the word Tao is “way” or “road,” but it has surpassed these simple definitions. Tao can be understood as the fundamental art, the order of nature, the essence of every living thing in the universe, the soul of the cosmos. It is everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
While Confucianism emphasizes the importance of order, traditions, duty, and definite hierarchy, Taoism, on the other hand, focuses on complete opposites. It highlights the value of inner freedom, constant cultivation of the self, meditation, and staying in touch with the harmonies of the cosmos. Confucianism is harsh and rigid, but Taoism is soft and gentle.
What is Tao? What is Taoism? These seemingly easy questions have no simple answers. The concept of Tao is indescribable, impossible to put into words. One of the literal meanings of the word Tao is “way” or “road,” but it has surpassed these simple definitions. Tao can be understood as the fundamental art, the order of nature, the essence of every living thing in the universe, the soul of the cosmos. It is everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
To say that the Tao is the origin, totality, and animating impulse of all that is, ever was, and ever shall be is inadequate, for this would exclude what is not, never was, and never shall be. It is ultimately ineffable. ~ Lao-Tzu
Though it may seem confusing, it is quite easy to comprehend what Tao means when you get to know the teachings of Lao-Tzu. The leading idea of Taoism is the belief that there is a simple way of attaining a healthier and better life, one that is gentle, kind, and harmonious.
To be in touch with Tao is to be in harmony with the fundamental laws of the universe.
In the following chapters, you will learn about the ideas of Taoism that have been inspiring people for two and a half millennia — since the dawn of the human race.
Did you know? The Inner Light and All Things Must Pass, songs written by the Beatles, are variations on different chapters of Tao Te Ching and were inspired by the Taoist ideas.
Did you know? The Inner Light and All Things Must Pass, songs written by the Beatles, are variations on different chapters of Tao Te Ching and were inspired by the Taoist ideas.
second key point
Lack of words can be just as powerful as the most articulate speeches
The True Tao of Nature cannot be told in words, and it can’t be named. It is transcendental and ineffable, unlike the worldly things that can be named — wealth, glory, power. Yet, despite its wordless nature, we return again and again to the limits of language to explain the unexplainable. Origin, Mother, Source — these are the words we use to express the nature of Tao.
Full summary is waiting for you in the app
third key point
Taoism seeks to make our lives pure and free of temptations
fourth key point
Knowing when to let things go is an art
fifth key point
Ideal leadership is often invisible
sixth key point
Be your own moral compass
seventh key point
Conclusion
What is Tao Te Ching about?
Who should read Tao Te Ching
Topics in Tao Te Ching
Enjoy summarized nonfiction bestsellers
Grasp the book’s key ideas in less than 15 minutes
Get startedGet new knowledge easily
Let’s check how many titles you can finish in a month with Headway! Tell us how much time you’d like to spend on reading:
Everything you need to be motivate, to learn & to self improves is all here. I actually do appreciate the reminders because otherwise this wouldn’t work for me. Thank you
Headway is the answer! No longer accumulating books I never read. With Headway, I initially chose the areas important to me such as productivity, time management, etc., and each day I'm provided several book summaries from which I devote 20 minutes or more each day reading. All of this on my phone! My life has improved with Headway. Truly my most useful app.
An excellent concept, executed well. Headway can help you retain what you've read while introducing you to the essential core of new information. It's an easier way to stay inspired, and to be reminded of the mental tools you've learned
In today’s world, we rarely have time. Between our jobs, our families are social obligations, when do we have time to grow and develop ourselves? Headway is an excellent app that gives you that time it gives you those little snippets of information that you need to direct your focus in on your life. Headway gives you a chance to find out the meat of a book that you might want to purchase and read or listen to in-depth without wasting a lot of time trying to figure out is this book for me? I highly recommend the app.
The selections are on point and the summaries are excellent! I listen while I walk my pup 🐶 and have in turn, ordered a few selections! REALLY loving the app, it’s layout, daily selections and features!
I've gotten multiple books out of the library with the intent to read them, but always have a hard time finding the time. This app has helped me finally be able to get to them. Summarized, yes, and thank goodness too! Just short enough I can finish one on my way picking kids up from school/practice, or while I'm cooking dinner. I can't wait to listen to them over the summer when we visit the beach!
It amazed me! There is the possibility to highlight the most important points of each book and instantly translate unfamiliar vocabulary. With the ability to review the searched words. It's a great way to learn more about English as well. The price is great.
I’m enjoying what I’m learning on headway.each summary comes with quotes at the end which you can save to help you remember key points. You can listen or read, I’ve found that reading puts me to sleep before I can finish but the listening feature keeps me engaged and I can finish in a brief amount of time if not one session.
The app it’s so easy to use. I use it while driving or cooking and is great. I love the fact that the chapters are short, so you can finish them quickly. Very knowledgeable.
The best app for self development.It helps to keep pace with your reading and also suggests the kind of reading material you might like.It is fun as you can switch from reading to listening and vice-versa as per your convenience .Just get started and partake of the treasure of knowledge at your fingertips .I feel lucky to have spotted the app.It has helped me become self-disciplined and much better informed.The audio track is excellent.
Exactly what I need! I always have booklist to read, but can't committed enough to finish/start bc of too much pages. Headway is really helpful and concise with their summary. What I love the most is that the essence of the book is well crafted, so I don't only read the key points, but also there's the story and how personality of the author still well shown through the summary. Well done!
This is outstanding best app ever and honestly whoever came up with is my app is an absolute genius kudos my gratitude definitely goes out and I’m only on my first week free trial and I’m certainly going to purchase this app annually. Now that I have it, I can’t even imagine living without it.