Humility is a core theme of the Dao De Jing and a guiding principle of the sage. When one is humble they gain respect, protection, and prosperity.
The Way
While nothing is greater than the Way, it always remains humble. It never demands honor and never dominates.
“The great Dao flows unobstructed in every direction. All things rely on it to conceive and be born, and it does not deny even the smallest of creation. When it has accomplished great wonders, it does not claim them for itself. It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn’t seek to master the smallest creature. Since it is without wants and desires, it can be considered humble.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 34
“The Dao is nameless and unchanging. Although it appears insignificant, nothing in the world can contain it.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
It lowers those claiming to be better and raises those who lower themselves.
“The Dao of Heaven works in the world like the drawing of a bow. The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up…This is why the Master gives expecting nothing in return. She does not dwell on her past accomplishments, and does not glory in any praise.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 77
Valley
Humility means that one becomes like a valley and never abandons the lowly.
“Know the honorable, but do not shun the disgraced: embracing the world as it is.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 28
“The great view the small as their source, and the high takes the low as their foundation. Their greatest asset becomes their humility. They speak of themselves as orphans and widows, thus they truly seek humility. Do not shine like the precious gem, but be as dull as a common stone.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 39
The valley is the root of the world and is full of virtue.
“Whole as an uncarved block of wood. Receptive as a valley.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 15
“All things end in the Dao just as the small streams and the largest rivers flow through valleys to the sea.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
Water
Humility can also be compared to water which always flows to the lowest point while at the same time benefiting all.
“The supreme good is like water, which benefits all of creation without trying to compete with it. It gathers in unpopular places. Thus it is like the Dao.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 8
Even though it sets itself low it can overcome the hardest of obstacles.
“Water is the softest and most yielding substance. Yet nothing is better than water, for overcoming the hard and rigid, because nothing can compete with it.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 78
“Rivers and seas are rulers of the streams of hundreds of valleys because of the power of their low position.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 66
The Non-Sage
Most people don’t want to be seen as low or unworthy.
“People despise being orphaned, widowed and poor.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 42
They boast about their accomplishments which leads to a loss of respect and eventually failure.
“Those who stand on tiptoes do not stand firmly. Those who rush ahead don’t get very far. Those who try to outshine others dim their own light. Those who call themselves righteous can’t know how wrong they are. Those who boast of their accomplishments diminish the things they have done.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 24
The Sage
The sage acts in accordance with the Way.
“For this reason the Master embraces the Dao, as an example for the world to follow.”
Dao de jing, Chapter 22
They never seek praise because once they have it they will fear losing it.
“He who is superior is also someone’s subordinate. Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 13
Benefits
They place themself last and by doing so are protected.
“Therefore she is united with all things. She gives no thought to self. She is perfectly fulfilled.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 7
They oppose no one and so no one opposes them.
“Because she wants nothing from the world, the world can not overcome her.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 22
Praise causes jealously and unneeded conflict.
“Do not display your treasures or people will become envious.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 3
By being low one gains simplicity, clarity, and perspective.
“In losing, much is gained, and in gaining, much is lost.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 42
By not boasting one is respected.
“Because she does not boast of herself, she becomes a shining example.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 22
Position
The sage recognizes they can’t possibly know everything.
“Knowing you don’t know is wholeness. Thinking you know is a disease. Only by recognizing that you have an illness can you move to seek a cure.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 71
Therefore they don’t bother defending their position because they could be wrong.
“Because she does not glorify herself, she becomes a person of merit.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 22
Summary
The Way always remains humble and never dominates. It lowers those who brag and raises those who don’t. It can be compared to a large valley which places itself below or water which flows to the lowest point. The non-sage doesn’t want to be seen as low and boasts about their accomplishments. This leads to disrespect, jealously, and failure. The sage never seeks praise and places themself last. They oppose no one and so no one opposes them. They gain simplicity, clarity, perspective, and respect.
“There are three jewels that I cherish: compassion, moderation, and humility…With humility, you will be able to become a great leader. To abandon…humility while seeking to lead will only lead to greater trouble.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 67
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996.
