In this episode, we delve into the essence of greatness and its profound impact on our lives, cultures, and the world at large. In the fervent pursuit of greatness, many may lose sight of its true meaning.
Through the lens of Taoism, we discover that to embody greatness, one must remain blissfully unaware of their own stature, much like the elusive Tao itself. This perspective illuminates the intricate dance of the ego, revealing how it often influences our choices and paths in life.
To labor without seeking acknowledgment, to act without a defined plan or purpose, is to embrace humility and align oneself with the harmonious flow of the Tao.
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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
“All-pervading is the great Dao. It may be found on the left hand and on the right.
All things depend on it for their production, yet it makes no claim.
It clothes all things as with a garment and makes no assumption of being their Lord.”
— Tao Te Ching, Chapter 34 (James Legge translation)
Chapter 34 of the Tao Te Ching points to the quiet, subtle greatness of the Dao. It is everywhere, present in the smallest things and in the greatest. Everything is born from it, yet it does not seek recognition. It nourishes, clothes, and sustains life without ever demanding authority or repayment.
The image of clothing is especially powerful. The Dao wraps all things like a garment, offering protection and presence, yet never claims ownership. The garment can be put on or taken off; it is not controlling, only supportive. This is the nature of the Dao: humble, ever-present, quietly giving.
Other translations, like Stephen Mitchell’s, make this even clearer:
“The great Dao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it, yet it doesn’t create them.
It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn’t hold onto them.
Since it is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts, it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it and it alone endures, it can be called great.
It isn’t aware of its greatness. Thus it is truly great.”
The paradox here is striking: the Dao is truly great because it is unaware of its greatness. Unlike human notions of power or achievement, often tied to recognition, competition, or dominance, the greatness of the Dao is in its quiet humility. It simply is. It gives, supports, and endures without striving for acknowledgment.
This teaching redefines what greatness means. In many cultures, greatness is about standing on a pedestal, being the “greatest of all time.” But in the Daoist view, greatness is subtle, humble, and all-pervading. It is the greatness of presence, not performance.
We see this echoed elsewhere in the Tao Te Ching:
- The sage achieves great things by not making himself great.
- True authority leads like a valley, not like a mountain peak.
- Authenticity and humility are more powerful than striving for recognition.
To live in harmony with the Dao is to embody this subtle greatness. It is to act, create, and give, not for recognition or reward, but because it is in our nature. Like the Dao, we can learn to nourish without clinging, to guide without controlling, and to exist in quiet harmony with all things.
That, perhaps, is true greatness.