Dao De Jing – Chapter 22

Chapter 22 of the Dao De Jing elaborates on the dialectics presented in Chapter II, evolving from the transformation of contradictions to the dynamic of qualitative inversion‌.

The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new. He whose (desires) are few gets them; he whose (desires) are many goes astray.
Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and manifests it to all the world. He is free from self- display, and therefore he shines; from self-assertion, and therefore he is distinguished; from self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged; from self-complacency, and therefore he acquires superiority. It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him.
That saying of the ancients that ‘the partial becomes complete’ was not vainly spoken: – all real completion is comprehended under it.

It explores how phenomena evolve from the negative to the positive, thereby revealing the application of dialectical thinking in observing and managing social life‌.

Ordinary people fixate on superficial appearances, overlooking the essence of things. Their obsession with immediate gains and quick results often leads to adverse consequences‌.

Ordinary individuals tend to prioritize outcomes while underestimating causes or processes. As the Buddhist saying states: “Bodhisattvas fear causes, while ordinary beings fear consequences.” Humans, failing to fully grasp the law of cause and effect, invert their perception of reality‌.

They yearn for ideal outcomes, yet due to limitations in cognitive understanding, they struggle to achieve their goals. In work and daily life, mistakes and setbacks are often inevitable. However, it is precisely through this process of trial, error, and correction that we discern right from wrong, gradually advancing toward our objectives while deepening our comprehension‌.

Every phenomenon encompasses opposing aspects, and only by observing both can one attain holistic understanding. For example, in adverse situations, Laozi advises:

• Maintain optimism‌ by identifying positive dimensions.
• Apply strategies of temporary retreat to advance‌, thereby balancing circumstances‌.