How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)
Quote #1
Therefore the sages:
Place themselves last but end up in front
Are outside of themselves and yet survive
Is it not due to their selflessness?
That is how they can achieve their own goals (7.5-9)
In Taoism, the theme of compassion ties directly into the theme of humility. The sages are selfless, and one of the ways their selflessness shows is that they're always giving to others. You might interpret this quote as showing that generosity itself is a goal worth achieving.
Quote #2
End benevolence; abandon righteousness
The people return to piety and charity (19.3-4)
Wait a sec. We thought the sages were supposed to be benevolent—meaning compassionate? How is ending benevolence supposed to help anybody? It could be that this quote is telling us that we shouldn't be self-righteous with our generosity. If we truly give without expecting anything in return, then other people will pick up on our cues.
Quote #3
Therefore the good person is the teacher of the bad person
The bad person is the resource of the good person (27.22-12)
How are bad people good for anybody? Aren't they... bad? What this quote might be saying is that the good ought to help the bad and also that good people can learn from bad people's mistakes. This quote might also combat the notion that everything is relative to Taoists. There is a good way and bad way to live, but the good Taoist accepts even bad people for what they are.