The sage finds success by following the way, remaining humble, and staying flexible. They succeed by not striving. They reject material success and search for contentment.
The Way
The sage finds success by following the Way.
“When a superior person hears of the Dao, she diligently puts it into practice. When an average person hears of the Dao, he believes half of it, and doubts the other half. When a foolish person hears of the Dao, he laughs out loud at the very idea.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 41
When one is in harmony with the Way they are filled with virtue.
“Those who follow the Dao early will have an abundance of virtue.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 59
This allows them to accomplish many things.
“When there is an abundance of virtue, there is nothing that can not be done.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 59
It protects them and helps them avoid harm.
“One who is filled with the Dao is like a newborn child. The infant is protected from the stinging insects, wild beasts, and birds of prey…This is perfect harmony.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 55
Humility
The virtue of humility helps one find success by being willing to deal with the smallest of problems.
“Take care of difficult problems while they are still easy; Do easy things before they become too hard. Difficult problems are best solved while they are easy.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 63
This prevents issues from becoming unmanageable.
“Things are easier to control while things are quiet...Prevent problems before they arise. Take action before things get out of hand.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
The sage knows that every accomplishment starts with the tiniest of steps.
“The tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout. The tallest building starts with one shovel of dirt. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single footstep.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
By not showing off one prevents jealously.
“Because she does not boast of herself, she becomes a shining example...Because she wants nothing from the world, the world can not overcome her.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 22
They never demand praise for their accomplishments.
“When it has accomplished great wonders, it does not claim them for itself. “
Dao De Jing, Chapter 34
They do not seek status and are not afraid to be looked down upon.
“People despise being orphaned, widowed and poor. But the noble ones take these as their titles.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 42
They remain humble and do not seek to control others.
“Since it is without wants and desires, it can be considered humble. All of creation seeks it for refuge yet it does not seek to master or control...It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn’t seek to master the smallest creature.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 34
Flexibility
The sage finds success by being flexible and yielding. By offering no resistance they can overcome the hardest of challenges.
“That which offers no resistance, overcomes the hardest substances. That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 43
Water yields yet can overcome the hardest rocks.
“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
The sage accepts loss. They know that loss can also lead to gain.
“In losing, much is gained, and in gaining, much is lost.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 42
After resolving a conflict they never make demands of others.
“Difficulties remain, even after solving a problem. How then can we consider that as good? Therefore the Master does what she knows is right, and makes no demands of others.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 79
Effortless Action
Ironically the sage succeeds by not striving.
“Because it does not seek greatness; it is able to accomplish truly great things.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 34
They never take on too much at one time.
“The Master never takes on more than she can handle, which means that she leaves nothing undone.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 63
They remain cautious and don’t take unreasonable risks.
“Being over bold and confident is deadly. The wise use of caution will keep you alive.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 73
They never underestimate a problem.
“‘It is better to become the passive in order to see what will happen. It is better to retreat a foot than to advance only an inch.’…There is no greater disaster than underestimating your enemy.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 69
They know that rashness leads to failure and therefore let things develop naturally.
“If you rush into action, you will fail. If you hold on too tight, you will lose your grip. Therefore the Master lets things take their course and thus never fails.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
They always expect difficulty as a result of any action.
“The master expects great difficulty, so the task is always easier than planned.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 63
They stay in the moment and are not concerned with the outcome. This allows them to perform at their highest ability.
“If you are as concerned about the outcome as you are about the beginning, then it is hard to do things wrong.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
Contentment
The sage is successful because they do not seek material things. Rather they focus on finding contentment.
“The master seeks no possessions. She learns by unlearning, thus she is able to understand all things. This gives her the ability to help all of creation.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
They know that too many possessions lead to violence, disrespect, and unneeded stress.
“Knowing when you have enough avoids dishonor, and knowing when to stop will keep you from danger and bring you a long, happy life.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 44
They find contentment through moderation.
“There is nothing better than moderation for teaching people or serving Heaven. Those who use moderation are already on the path to the Dao.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 59
Summary
The sage finds success through the Way. Humility means dealing with small problems and preventing future ones. Flexibility helps one be successful by yielding and accepting loss. The sage succeeds by not striving, remaining cautious, and not underestimating problems. They stay in the moment and are not concerned with the outcome. The sage doesn’t seek material things but values contentment through moderation.
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996.
