Tao Te Ching

By: Lao- Tzu

by: Rachel, Anni,Lauren and Robert

 

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Author
2. Plot Summary
3. Characters
4. Use of Literary terms
5. Memorable Quote
6. Sources

 

Author

 

Ancient Chinese Philosopher. Lao Tzu was born between 600 B.C.E and 300 B.C.E. He was a scholar-historian to the Kingdom of Chou. He left the royal court and rode off to the west. Once he got to the gate, the keeper asked him to write down his knowledge. Lao Tzu wrote  the Tao Te Ching (classic way of power). Wrote is basked on Taoism.

 

Plot summary

 

     - In 31, they talk about violence. Violence is said to cause fear and men should not use it for it is a useless tool. Everyone should share in peace. If he enters a battle

        with a gun he is attending a funeral.

 

     -In section 33 it tells you to know others. If you know others you have intelligence and if you know yourself you have wisdom. You should always realize what you have for

        if you do you will go into death strongly and will endure forever.

 

    -29 tells you to not fix the world for it can not be saved. The world is sacred and there is a time for everything.

 

 

-         The speaker says  everything

-         Talking about a man in general.

 

    -“The world is sacred vessel and it can not be controlled. You will only it make it worse if you try. It may slip through your fingers and disappear.” –personification

 

    -“The left side is a place of honor on happy occasions.

The right side is reserved for mourning at a funeral.

When the lieutenants take the left side to prepare for war,

the general should be on the right side,

because he knows the outcome will be death.”  -The bottom three lines are alluding to the top two lines

 

    -"Those who know others are intelligent; those who know themselves are truly wise. Those who master others are strong; those who master themselves have true power. Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy. Those who persist will reach their goal. Those who keep their course have a strong will. Those who embrace death will not perish, but have life everlasting.is chapter is a metaphor for understanding yourself.

Memorable Quotes

    -“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.”

 

    -“Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.”

 

    -“Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.”

     -“When spring comes the grass grows by itself.”

 

Sources

 

Mitchell, S. "Tao Te Ching." 29 May 2007<http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/taote-v3.htm>

 

McDonald, J "Tao Te Ching" 1996. 29 May  2007<http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html>