Tao Te Ching · 33 of 81 · tr. James Legge

Chapter 33

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will. He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long; he who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.

Themes

◆Return To Sourcesoteriology

The soul's journey back to its divine origin, reversing the fall into matter through stages of purification or illumination.

The promise that one who dies 'does not perish' implies a continuity of existence beyond physical death, akin to returning to the eternal Dao.

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◆Spiritual Ascentpraxis

A staged journey of the soul upward through heavenly realms or levels of being toward the divine source.

The progression from overcoming others to overcoming oneself suggests an upward movement of the self toward might and longevity.

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◇Kingdom Withinanthropology

The claim that the divine realm is present inside the individual, accessible without external mediation.

[auto] True strength, intelligence, and richness are located in internal mastery and satisfaction rather than external circumstances.

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◇Paradox As Teachingethics

Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight.

[auto] The statement that one who dies yet does not perish uses apparent contradiction to convey spiritual longevity.

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◇Renunciation Of Wealthethics

The spiritual danger of attachment to material possessions; wealth as a spiritual obstacle.

[auto] Defining richness as satisfaction with one's lot implies that material accumulation is not the true measure of wealth.

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◇Self Examinationpraxis

Daily review of thought and action as spiritual practice.

[auto] The repeated imperative to know and overcome oneself indicates a practice of introspective review and discipline.

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◇Self Knowledgesoteriology

The recognition of one's own true divine nature as the primary path to liberation; 'know thyself' as soteriology.

[auto] The passage explicitly prioritizes knowing oneself as the source of true intelligence and might over knowing others.

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Related passages · 7 parallels

◆egyptian|The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani)|Chapter 31 (part 2)

“I, Osiris Ani, triumphant, come even as one who is equipped for the journey. Thou raisest up [right and truth] (2 1) for those who love them. I am a shining one clothed in power, mightier than any other shining one."…”

Both passages emphasize the attainment of a higher state or power through self-knowledge and personal triumph. Passage A focuses on the individual's triumph and divine power, while Passage B highlights the strength and longevity gained from overcoming oneself.

◆gnosticism|Gospel of Thomas|Logion 2

“Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All."…”

Both passages emphasize the importance of inner seeking and self-mastery. The Gospel of Thomas speaks of seeking and finding leading to astonishment and ruling over the All, while the Tao Te Ching speaks of knowing oneself and overcoming oneself as paths to true strength and mastery.

◆gnosticism|Gospel of Thomas|Logion 80

“Jesus said, "He who has recognized the world has found the body, but he who has found the body is superior to the world."…”

Both passages emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and inner mastery as a path to a higher state of being, with Passage A focusing on recognizing the world and the body, and Passage B on knowing oneself and overcoming oneself.

◆gnosticism|Gospel of Thomas|Logion 111

“Jesus said, "The heavens and the earth will be rolled up in your presence. And the one who lives from the living one will not see death." Does not Jesus say, "Whoever finds himself is superior to the world?"…”

Both passages emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and inner transformation. The Gospel of Thomas highlights finding oneself as superior to the world, while the Tao Te Ching speaks of knowing oneself as a sign of intelligence and overcoming oneself as a sign of might.

◆greek_mystery|The Golden Verses of Pythagoras|Section 11

“p. 62 PYTHAGOREAN SENTENCES FROM THE PROTREPTICS OF IAMBLICHUS 1. As we live through soul, it must be said that by the virtue of this we live well; just as because we see through the eyes, we see well through the virtue of these. 2. It must…”

Both passages emphasize self-knowledge and the importance of inner strength and wisdom. The Tao Te Ching focuses on self-mastery and contentment, while the second passage highlights the importance of knowing God and aligning one's intellect with the divine, but both share a core theme of inner understanding and virtue.

◆jewish_mysticism|The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation)|Chapter XLIX

“XLIX. The Power and Wisdom of the Elect One . CHAPTER XLIX. l. For wisdom is poured out like water, And glory faileth not before him for evermore. 2. For he is mighty in all the secrets of righteousness, And unrighteousness shall disappear…”

Both passages emphasize the importance of inner strength, wisdom, and righteousness. They highlight the value of self-knowledge and the ability to overcome oneself, as well as the enduring nature of those who are righteous and wise.

◆neoplatonism|Select Works of Plotinus|Select Works, Section 167

“Section 11 11. Now, in the first place, if the Soul has not actually come down but has illuminated the darkness, how can it truly be said to have declined? The outflow from it of something in the nature of light does not justify the asserti…”

Both passages emphasize the importance of self-knowledge, humility, and understanding one's place in the universe. They advocate for inner strength and compliance with a higher order, whether it be the Tao or the Intellectual-Principle.