John Neil Fabella

Dr. Karen Laing

English 231
June 17, 2021
Reading Journal – Week 2: Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching

First Thoughts:
My first impression of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching was worrisome. All because of the many
appearing chapters that appear to be poems or haikus. However, after disregarding the many
portions, it gives off a wise and answering vibe. Personally, any old proverbs or poems are all
interesting. It is a captivating skill to capture stories or lessons with only a few words. Lao Tzu's
Tao Te Ching appears to be that way. At first glance, I can see allegory, juxtapositions among
other literary devices. All in all, I know there will be a great takeaway.
Memorable Quotes:

 “Good deeds leave no signs. Good words leave no flaws. Good scheme needs no
deliberate plans. A good lock uses no bolts, yet it cannot be opened. A good knot uses no
rope, yet it cannot be united. Hence, a saint is always kind by saving other people and
rejects no one. He is always kind by saving all things and therefore nothing is being
rejected. This is the true enlightenment.” (Tzu, 9).
o The significance of this quote is the message. In accomplishing any task, whether:
physical, spiritual, or mental, the completion will come with ease. This quote
showcases the ideology that being kind-hearted shows no restraints. It also
illustrates that truly being kind is as simple and easy as breathing.  
 “To yield is to preserve the whole. To be misjudged is to be straightened. To be hollow is
to be filled. To be battered is to be renewed. To be in need is to possess. To be abundant
is to be confused. Therefore, the saint embraces the “Oneness” as a standard for the
world.” (Tzu, 7).
o The significance of this quote lies in the truth. As a progressive society, the
ideology of certain standard norms takes away from old truths. Often, everyone
always is quick on the uptake for negativity and forgets the positivity certain
circumstances hold. This quote reminds us to take a moment to reflect on the
positives and learn.
Questions with Answers:
1. What is the meaning of Lao Tzu’s Tao?
a. In reference to Lao Tzu’s meaning of Tao, it means the way, the path, or natural
way of heading
2. What is the Mystic Te or Mystic Virtue?
a. Mystic Virtue is the cultivating of a mysterious and unusual power. The essence
to be mindful of the two standards (virtue vs ego) and to take the right action.
(Mystic Virtue).
3. How does Lao Tzu’s way of thinking appear differently in today’s standards?
a. In today’s standards Tao is not even considered. As youth we are able to follow
Tao easily, staying true to kind human nature. However, as we progress, we stray
farther from Tao. In doing so we as a society start to strive for personal gain of
materialistic ideals, straying farther away from being kind-hearted and
peacefulness. Often times Tao now seems to be viewed as relaxation or even
being carefree. Tao in modern standards seems to be less appreciated due to the
idealistic new standards of humans.
Vocabulary:
1. Sovereign - Possessing supreme, of ultimate power
a. The ability to move forward gives sovereignty to those who do so.
2. Filial Piety - The attitude of obedience, devotion, and care toward one's parents and elder
family members that is the basis of individual moral conduct and social harmony.
a. Both his and her filial piety gave strength to their grandmother.
3. Tranquility – The quality or state of being calm
a. Dogs and cats who lay freely and sleep, is the embodiment of tranquility.
4. Tao - The absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the
principles of yin and yang, and signifying the way.
a. In modern times it seems many individuals lose the ideology of Tao and become
lost in greed.
Afterthoughts:
My impression after reading the given chapters is in awe. In modern standards, such
ideology of Tao seems farther away. Individuals all are trying to achieve goals and ideals yet
lose themselves along the way. It is quite an intriguing revelation. The ongoing use of allegory
throughout the chapters is almost unnoticeable. While the antithesis and juxtaposition throughout
are very eye-catching and an eye-opener. Furthermore, I am happy to say reading this was fun
and eye-opening.
Metaphorical or Allegorical Aspects:

 “When Great Tao declines, virtue of humanity and righteousness shall arise. When
knowledge and intelligence appear, great hypocrisy shall arise. When the six various
family relationships are not in harmony, filial piety and compassion shall arise. When a
country is in chaos, the loyal officials shall appear.” (Tzu, 6)
o Chapter 18 illustrates such aspects. The chapter discusses the balance of
declining powers and what subjects rise to offset the balance. Above all it
explains how every negative thing will be balance out will positivity, and vice
versa. But what the chapter shows is the inevitable natural balance between cause
and effect.

How selected themes are in each text:

(Overcoming Adversity, Man vs Nature, Death is a part of the life cycle):
 Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching exhibits all the selected themes I chose. Throughout the given
chapters overcoming adversity is overlooked with the idea of reflection amongst oneself.
In order to overcome accept oneself, let others help you, and stop to analyze the situation.
The reading depicts nature as a benevolent force that differs from mankind through
ideologies. Mystic Te is the concept that nature creates not to take possession, but
because it has to. Mankind differs, in creation man usually takes possession for personal
gain. The juxtaposition between man and nature enables the reader to learn the difference
between each one. So far, I have yet to see the theme “Death is a par of the life cycle.”
Examples of how your selected schools of criticism inform your reading:
(New Criticism, Post Structuralism)
 Reading the following through New Criticism and Post Structuralism helps showcase the
logical structure behind the reading. While appearing confusing, the syntax and diction
showcase what appears to be the juxtaposition in some chapters. Often, two opposites
will be together to exhibit the perfect balance of negative and positive. Although there are
no physical characters, Tao, nature, and mankind metaphorically are. The relationship
between Tao and nature is similar to a close friendship. While Tao and mankind resemble
a newly acquired friendship. This makes nature and mankind opposite ends akin to
frenemies, Tao being the middleman. This dynamic helps establish the hidden meaning
that Tao is prevalent throughout life. Although nature is more fluent with Tao, mankind is
trying to learn. Above all from those two perspectives is logical makes sense. 
Connections between the reading, your life, and or current events:

 The reading exhibits the idea of going with the flow and being accepting. When covid
appeared and froze the world it felt like Tao fell into place. Everyone began to realize
what was lost. However, it also affected everyone positively, giving those who needed to
slow down the opportunity to do so. It seems like Tao had given everyone a reflection
period in a way. The reading was very informative and insightful.
 Works Cited

Taoist, The Dixie. “Mystic Virtue.” Sovereignty, 1 Aug. 2017,

thedixietaoist.net/2017/08/01/mystic-virtue/.

Tao Te Ching. New York :Vintage Books, 1972