Conquering is the one theme that sticks out from the message in this poem. The author emphasizes the ability to overcome challenges, especially in the first stanza. “Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full.” We face challenges on a daily basis as individuals of society, and it is the norm to do so. But to overcome these obstacles is of the utmost importance. If we don’t, we prevent ourselves from becoming the best we can be to our fullest potential. The author also mentions being a role model that are uniquely recognized differently from others. “Therefore the wise embrace the one. And set an example to all.” In other words, don’t only overcome your challenges but yield from them and let other learn from you. But when you have successfully completed the overcoming of such challenges, don’t swank about it to impress others. The author states in the last stanza, “They receive recognition. Not bragging, They never falter.” The main point of this poem overall is to yield and overcome (Face and conquer obstacles), set an example for people (Be a role model), and avoid bragging (Boasting over your accomplishments).
Tao Poem #22
January 31, 2017 Written by f.zaman1 | 2 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
2 responses so far ↓
j.morreale // Feb 2nd 2017 at 12:44 am
I absolutely agree with your explanation of this poem. I do not think you can explain it better than you did. The poet is encouraging people to take on challenges no matter if they look extremely difficult. People that accomplish these difficult challenges are often looked up to. In the last stanza as you already stated, it reads, “Not boasting, they receive recognition” and these people are the ones that become role models. The people who accomplish these types of tasks and show off about it are not looked upon as role models. You used great quotes in your argument and i do think your argument is a very strong one.
dy154836 // Feb 2nd 2017 at 10:56 am
This is a great interpretation of this poem. The poet uses the words of opposite meaning to put a greater effect on the meaning of, like you said, conquering. The quote, ““yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full,” reminds me of a poem called “I wish you enough” by Bob Perkins.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough “hellos” to get you through the final “goodbye.”
In Tao Te Ching’s “Twenty two,” I interpret the quote as: you will never know just how much you’ve overcome unless you have given up first, you will never know the definition of straight if you don’t know what bent means, you will never appreciate the feeling of fullness if you’ve never experienced emptiness.
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