Daodejing Chapter 7 breakdown: heaven and earth

Chapter 7 of the Daodejing explains how heaven and earth endure by giving without expecting anything in return. Precisely because they make no attempt to prolong their existence and pursue their own interests, heaven and earth go on from season to season enabling the myriad things to grow, flourish, and wither in alignment with the flow of nature.

Emulating heaven and earth, the sage puts everyone else first and himself last. Precisely because he acts for the common good without any consideration for himself, he is “perfectly fulfilled” living in harmony with the Dao.

Section 1
Heaven is lasting,
Earth is enduring.
Heaven and earth
Last and endure,
Because they do not
Live for themselves.
That is why they can endure.

The chapter begins by highlighting the eternal nature of heaven and earth, attributing it to their lack of purpose or intention. Their durability and permanence are achieved not through striving to maintain or prolong their own existence, but by allowing the natural cycle of change to take place unimpeded. This is a metaphorical way of saying that those who do not live solely for themselves gain a kind of lasting presence or influence in the world.

Section 2
The sage places himself at the back,
Yet ends up at the front.
He has no consideration for himself,
Yet stays safe and secure.
Because he is selfless,
The sage is perfectly fulfilled.

Like heaven and earth, the sage does not seek attention or personal gain. By humbly serving others without any ulterior motives, he naturally receives their respect and support. Because he does not pursue his own personal interests, he remains safe from attacks by potential rivals and achieves a sense of inner peace by working for the good of all. By eliminating his attachment to personal gains or outcomes, he realizes his full potential as a ruler though the magic of wuwei, effortless action.

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