While reading this poem, I was instantly reminded of a phenomenon I have recently learned in one of my psychology classes regarding Western culture. The first line of the poem, “Accept disgrace willingly”, introduces the theme that we, as humans, are imperfect and are bound to make mistakes. Through psychological studies, it has been found that in Western culture, as opposed to other parts of the world, “self-enhancement defense” or simply put, excuse-making, is very popular. We often lack ownership of our mistakes and reject any negative feedback that we receive. “Accept misfortune as the human condition”, or in other words, realize that life is not meant to be easy and we will often be put in difficult situations. However, how we deal with these situations and how we view them is more important because it could determine and shape who we are. I found the line, “Accept being unimportant. Do not be concerned with loss or gain” particularly important; many people strive to have a certain reputation or to have a certain amount of money, when in reality, that is not the answer to happiness. Being truly happy does not necessarily correspond to the number in our bank account or our status in society, it comes from within.
3 Responses to Tao Te Ching, Thirteen
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I agree with the way you analyze the poem because I have the same thoughts as well. We tend to push away negative comments, which is not a bad thing, but some of the advice can really get us far in life. Because we tend to care about what other people thinks, we usually never notice the things that are happening right in front of us. When we’re ready to accept the criticism, that’s also when we are ready to accept ourselves for who we really are. I agree how happiness comes from within because that really matters the most in the end! Good job!
This poem has a lot to analyze, and I was able to resonate well with the perspective you took on it. Oftentimes, as you said yourself, people strive so hard to be perfect that in doing so they also try to hide their faults and mistakes. Rather than make such excuses for being who and how they are, I too believe that people should, as Tao Te Ching advises, “Accept being unimportant. Do not be concerned with loss or gain.” Happiness cannot come from material. We should not base our self-worth on how others view us, or how we believe others view us. Instead, people should learn to accept themselves, and, through recognizing ones own value, then they can find that peace of mind from within- nice touch.
Great choice of theme! It is very interesting how you brought in psychological studies and connected it to a theme presented in this poem. I agree with you when you presented the quote “Accept being unimportant. Do not be concerned with loss or gain”. And when you stated that money or a persons status in society is not what creates happiness.