How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)
Quote #1
Thus, constantly without desire, one observes its essence
Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations (1.5-6)
To the TTC, being full of greedy desire is about the worst thing there is. It leads to all kinds of problems in our lives and, worst of all, it distances us from the Tao. If we're mega-desirous, all we can see is the Tao's "manifestations," or the physical world. But if we're greed-free, we can see the "essence," or spirit, of the Tao. Is the TTC right in saying that greed and desire are the worst things? Can you think of something worse?
Quote #2
Do not treasure goods that are hard to obtain
So the people will not become thieves (3.3-4)
Wow, so our entire society totally ignores this, doesn't it? We totally value things that are rare. Gold, emeralds, trash bags full of cash—these things are valuable to us because they're hard to get. What would our society look like if one day we suddenly decided that these things weren't worth anything anymore? After all, they're only worth something because we decided they were.
Quote #3
Let the people have no cunning and no greed (3.12)
Once again, Taoism is reminding us a whole lot of Christianity. Ever heard the saying "Money is the root of all evil"? Yeah, that's Timothy 6:10 coming 'atcha. Taoism might not throw around the word evil quite as much, but Taoists would definitely agree that money and our greedy desire for it cause a whole bunch of the problems in our society.