Daodejing Chapter 43: the softest overcomes the hardest

Chapter 43 of the Daodejing reaffirms the power of wuwei, or effortless action. Just as water erodes the hardest boulders and air finds its way through the smallest cracks, the practice of wuwei enables you to overcome any obstacles you encounter.

Section 1
The softest thing
In all-under-heaven
Overcomes the hardest.
Non-being enters non-space.

Soft qualities like gentleness, adaptability and resilience are ultimately more powerful and effective than hard and unyielding strength. In the same way, intangible and formless ideas, feelings, and laws of nature deliver the most impact on the physical world.

Section 2
I know the benefits of
Effortless action.
Teaching without words,
The benefits of effortless action,
Few in all-under-heaven
Apply them.

Even though the advantages of wuwei and leading others by example are obvious, only a very small number of people understand or put them into practice. It is a rare individual who has the courage to defy conventional wisdom by embracing the teachings of the Dao.

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Daodejing Chapter 43: the value of effortless action