Three Minute Philosophy: Lao Tzu and the Dao

According to the majority of great philosophers of the past, the world is apparently very stupid.

Whether it be because we are ignorant or our priorities are not straight, there seems to be a lot of fault in each of us. All these philosophies, from hedonism all the way to Buddhism, all focus on how the world isn't right in some way or form and that everyone is doing everything wrong. They always seem to tell you how to ignore these circumstances and just focus on your inner self, and that's understandable and is something I strongly agree with.

But after doing some research, I came across a philosopher that has a view on the world that I've never come across: Lao Tzu.

Before we get into his teachings, let's start with a story.

One day, thousands of years ago, the three greatest minds of eastern philosophy, Confucius, Buddha, and Lao Tzu, met each other on the peak of a mountain. They walked up to a temple and discovered that a plate of vinegar had been set out for each of them, to which they each took a sip. Confucius was said to have found it sour, due to his view on how the world is full of unworthy and ignorant beings. Buddha found it bitter, based off of his philosophy that the world is filled with suffering. Yet Lao Tzu found it sweet.

The reason for this is that he looks at our world from a different, more positive perspective. He says that everyone, no matter their views, feelings, or opinions on themselves and others has the ability to look past the discord of the world and on its true harmony, or what he called The Dao.

The Tao Te Ching, which is a scripture that explains the meaning of Lao Tzu's teachings, explains that the Dao is "the way of the world" and that it can take whoever is willing, on a path to virtue and happiness.

And how do we follow the ways of a Daoist lifestyle?

Well, the foundation of this philosophy is centered around the art of stillness. Lao Tzu explains that we need to put aside or "let go" of our worries, stresses, and thoughts, and look at the world for what it is. Human beings are constantly focusing on what will happen next, but we never give ourselves time to practice the art of living in the present and experiencing the harmony that comes with it.

Letting the issues of your life consume you will cause you to miss priceless moments of your life that can never be regained. We spend too much time worrying about who we want to be and not enough figuring out who we truly are. Paying attention to the details of your life will give you a new perspective on the world around you. You will find beauty in the smallest of things, thus giving you satisfaction and fulfillment about each aspect of your life.

Through this, Lao Tzu says, is how you experience the maximum state of happiness.

Or as he famously put it.

"To the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders" Lao Tzu ??

?? Hey! Thanks for reading! If you want to learn about more projects that I’m working on, follow me on LinkedIn! https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/teddy-porfiris-91b93816a/