Tao Te Ching · 73 of 81 · tr. James Legge
Chapter 73
He whose boldness appears in his daring (to do wrong, in defiance of the laws) is put to death; he whose boldness appears in his not daring (to do so) lives on. Of these two cases the one appears to be advantageous, and the other to be injurious. But When Heaven's anger smites a man, Who the cause shall truly scan? On this account the sage feels a difficulty (as to what to do in the former case). It is the way of Heaven not to strive, and yet it skilfully overcomes; not to speak, and yet it is skilful in (obtaining a reply; does not call, and yet men come to it of themselves. Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of Heaven are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.
Themes
◆Apophatic Theologytheology
Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.
Heaven's nature is described primarily through negations such as not striving, not speaking, and not calling.
All passages →◇Paradox As Teachingethics
Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight.
[auto] The text relies on apparent contradictions such as not speaking yet obtaining a reply to convey the nature of Heaven's way.
All passages →◇Wu Weipraxis
Effortless action aligned with the spontaneous flow of the Dao; non-coercive, non-striving conduct that yields results without forcing — the sage acts without acting.
[auto] The passage explicitly defines the Way of Heaven as not striving yet overcoming, which is the core definition of effortless action.
All passages →Related passages · 4 parallels · 2 contrasts
◆neoplatonism|Select Works of Plotinus|Select Works, Section 197
“Section 10 10. But: if the evil in men is involuntary, if their own will has not made them what they are, how can we either blame wrong-doers or even reproach their victims with suffering through their own fault? If there is a Necessity, br…”
Both passages discuss the concept of justice and the role of higher powers (Providence or Heaven) in governing human behavior. They both suggest that the triumph of evil or wrongdoing is not just and that there is a higher order that ensures justice, albeit in different ways.
◆renaissance_hermeticism|The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori)|Third Dialogueg
“Such over-boldness rarely grief escapes." "Fear not the utmost ruin then," I said, "Cleave confident the clouds and die content, That heaven has destined thee to such illustrious death." Cic .
I understand when you say: "Enough that thou h…”
Both passages discuss the concept of boldness and its consequences, as well as the interplay between divine will and human action. They explore the idea of divine justice and the natural order, though from different cultural and philosophical perspectives.
◆sufism|The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi)|STORY XVIa
“'Ali's Forbearance.
'Ali, the "Lion of God," was once engaged in conflict with a Magian chief, and in the midst of the struggle the Magian spat in his face.
'Ali, instead of taking vengeance on him, at once dropped his sword, to the Magia…”
Both passages emphasize the importance of divine will and the role of humans as instruments of that will. They also highlight the concept of non-retaliation and the acceptance of fate, showing a deep conceptual parallel between the Taoist and Islamic mystical traditions.
◆western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic II: The Ritual (Éliphas Lévi)|8. Warning To The Imprudentb
“The milder and calmer you are, the more effective will be your anger; the more energetic you are, the more valuable will be your forbearance; the more skilful you are, the better will you profit by your intelligence and even by your virtues…”
Both passages discuss the paradoxical nature of power and the effectiveness of restraint and calmness. They share the insight that true strength lies in not forcing outcomes, and that moderation and wisdom are more effective than brute force or unchecked passion.
◆western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic I: The Doctrine (Éliphas Lévi)|1. The CandidatedCONTRASTS
“One who neglects his moral dignity in order to obey blindly the instincts of Nature.
As a fact, in the presence of danger it is natural to be afraid and seek flight: why, then, is it shameful?
Because honour has erected it into a law that…”
Both passages discuss the concept of aligning with a higher principle (Heaven in Tao Te Ching, honour in The Candidated) and the consequences of defiance or obedience. They emphasize the importance of inner strength and discipline to overcome natural inclinations, highlighting a shared insight into the nature of self-mastery and alignment with a transcendent order.
◆western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic I: The Doctrine (Éliphas Lévi)|9. InitiationbCONTRASTS
“He knows the failings of the human heart; he dares make use of them to achieve his work; and he is silent as to his purposes.
He knows the significance of all symbolisms and of all religions; he dares to practise or abstain from them witho…”
Both passages emphasize the importance of silence, humility, and the wise use of power. They also highlight the difficulties and persecutions faced by those who follow a higher path, though they do so in different cultural and religious contexts.