Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.
- The most virtuous kinds of people are like newborn babies.
- We figure this means they exist in a state of simplicity, not that they scream all night and poop themselves.
- These virtuous types get all kinds of benefits.
- They aren't stung by insects, clawed by beasts, or attacked by birds.
- We're guessing this isn't meant literally; otherwise, it would be totally okay to let babies run wild in zoos.
- No, instead these animals are probably symbolic of all the bad stuff in human interactions: lies, greed, jealously, etc.
- These types of people handle things gently, but they still get things done.
- The key is being in harmony with the Tao, which gives you the clarity you need to be simple and virtuous.
- The main thing to avoid is being too aggressive.
- If you spend all your energy in one sudden burst, it quickly runs out.
- Doing this is contrary to the Tao, and things that are contrary to the Tao quickly fade away.