Chapter 24: Ego and Self-Importance in Taoism
Chapter 24 teachers about how ego and self-importance prevent people from the different understanding of life. When people allow being led by self-importance instead of walking the ways of Tao, they will eventually fall. Even though personal approval is vital, the notion that we are better than everyone else is destructive as it obscures our discovery of the path and clogs what we see in the mirror (Simpkins et al. 11). The writer puts it blatantly that we are all destined to die. Therefore, we become proud and self-righteous in an attempt to appear meaningful and significant. The ten thousand of things implies the immeasurable proportions beyond our images and thoughts. Taoism stipulates that we should study the convoluted way of nature and understand the myriad of things without spiritual convictions but just within the realm of life. The yin-yang concept also explains how the dynamic nature changes from one state to another.
Teachings of Lao-Tzu
The first verse begins with an analogy of standing on our tiptoe which implies our efforts to look more magnificent. The message here is that if we become controlled by self-dominance, we will not stand firmly on our feet. Lao-Tzu encourages people to live as they are and stop trying to emulate what we are not (Simpkins et al. 21). He teaches that we should always be humble and appreciate our humble beginnings. We remain in the path by showing gratitude and acknowledging what we have. The teachings encourage us to enjoy the moment and stop worrying about what we want to achieve. In fact, they are guided by the wu wei principles that help people derive happiness by getting satisfied with doing less since it consumes less energy and embraces self-preservation.
Embracing Humility and Appreciation
In brief, this chapter emphasizes humility by shunning the harmful desires such as boasting and letting our ego drive us. Accolades and acknowledgments for an excellent job are necessary, but people should learn to appreciate everything they have. Besides, Tao also teaches us not to feel more important than other people to lead in a path of the way.
Work Cited
Simpkins, C. Alexander, and Annellen M. Simpkins. Simple Taoism: A guide to living in balance. Tuttle Publishing, 2015.
