The Canon of Reason and Virtue

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Canon of Reason and Virtue

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A lucid English rendering of the Tao Te Ching by Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus, offering poetic translation paired with scholarly notes. This historic introduction guides Western readers through Daoist thought, humility, and wu-wei, presenting Lao-Tze as a Christ-like figure whose ancient wisdom addresses the complexities of governance, morality, and the nature of reality.

Summary up to 500 words

The Canon of Reason and Virtue, an extract from the larger work *Lao-Tze's Tao Teh King* by Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus, offers a profound exploration of the philosophy of the Old Philosopher, Lao-Tze. Born in 604 B.C., Lao-Tze was a contemporary of Confucius, yet their paths diverged significantly. While Confucius emphasized propriety, social rules, and active governance, Lao-Tze championed the Tao, or divine Reason, advocating for non-assertion, simplicity, and mystical speculation. The text clarifies that while later Taoism became entangled in superstition and alchemy, the original teachings of Lao-Tze remain pure and relevant. Central to Lao-Tze's philosophy is the virtue of humility. He argues that a great state conquers by being lowly, much like rivers and oceans become kings of the valleys by remaining low. Conversely, strength and hardness are companions of death; the tender and delicate are the companions of life. This leads to the principle of 'non-doing' or non-interference, suggesting that the best governance allows people to reform themselves naturally without excessive laws or mandates. The authors note that excessive restrictions and cunning lead to poverty and trouble, whereas thrift and quietude foster prosperity. The work draws striking parallels between Lao-Tze's ethics and Christian thought. Concepts such as loving one's enemies, seeking truth, and the protection of the virtuous resonate with Christian sentiments. For instance, the injunction to requite hatred with virtue echoes the command to love one's enemies. The text also highlights the personification of the Tao as a father, mother, or great carpenter, reflecting a theistic atmosphere. The authors express regret that modern Taoism often deviates into superstition, contrasting it with the philosophical depth of the original canon. Ultimately, the book urges readers to appreciate the religious spirit and philosophical depth of this ancient wisdom. It fosters a sense of brotherhood across cultural divides, inviting Western readers to understand the ideals of a foreign nation. By presenting a readable, literal translation that preserves the original's sense, the authors aim to make Lao-Tze's profound meditations on simplicity, intuition, and the ineffable accessible to English-speaking audiences, encouraging a return to primitive purity and honesty in an age of complexity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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