quietism: “… Laotzu’s quietism is nothing but the fundamental sense commonly inherent in mankind …” ~ The Word Machine Community Interest Group
“… Become totally empty Quiet the restlessness of the mind …” ~ Laotzu (verse 16 excerpt from Jonathan Star’s translation)
Laotzu’s “… way of life was the way of poise, serenity, and complete assurance …” … his way was “creative quietism” … which is “… nothing but the fundamental sense commonly inherent in mankind …”
So what is this quietism?
Today, we’ll take a very brief glimpse into this quietism – via verse 16 – from The Way of Life according to Laotzu translated by Witter Bynner … a deeper exploration may be offered in future …
To contrast Witter’s translation here is our post with the same verse 16 from Tao Te Ching – Jonathan Star’s translation …
Laotzu’s Quietism: Verse 16
Be utterly humble
And you shall hold to the foundation of peace.
Be at one with all these living things which, having arisen and flourished,
Return to the quiet whence they came,
Like a healthy growth of vegetation
Falling back upon the root.
Acceptance of this return to the root has been called ‘quietism,’
Acceptance of quietism has been condemned as ‘fatalism.’
But fatalism is acceptance of destiny
And to accept destiny is to face life with open eyes,
Whereas not to accept destiny is to face death blindfold.
He who is open-eyed is open-minded,
He who is open-minded is open-hearted,
He who is open-hearted is kingly,
He who is kingly is godly,
He who is godly is useful,
He who is useful is infinite,
~ Laotzu
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And here’s Even More Glimpses … into The Tao … via Jonathan Star …
May you explore Laotzu’s way … and incorporate it’s gifts … in every day of your life … and …
May you remain safe and healthy.
All italicized text (including in the blockquotes) is from The Way of Life according to Laotzu translated by Witter Bynner.
The 2nd opening quote is an excerpt from Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu, Translated by Jonathan Star.
Images: (edited and logo added): Featured and 1) The Three Sisters Alberta in sunrise by sugarek. All purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our. All purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social channels (these images are not permitted to be shared separate from this post).
