Chapter 55
The Power of Natural Innocence
55.1. He who has in himself abundantly the attributes (of the Tao) is like an infant. Poisonous insects will not sting him; fierce beasts will not seize him; birds of prey will not strike him. 2. (The infant's) bones are weak and its sinews soft, but yet its grasp is firm. It knows not yet the union of male and female, and yet its virile member may be excited;—showing the perfection of its physical essence. All day long it will cry without its throat becoming hoarse;—showing the harmony (in its constitution). 3. To him by whom this harmony is…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Defense Patterns
Think about a recent situation where you felt the need to defend yourself or prove you were right. Write down what you actually said or did, then rewrite how you might have responded from the 'baby-like' authenticity Lao Tzu describes. What would have happened if you had been completely genuine instead of defensive?
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between protecting your ego versus protecting what actually matters
- •Consider whether your defensive response made the situation better or worse
- •Think about times when admitting uncertainty or mistake actually increased your credibility
Journaling Prompt
Write about a person in your life who seems to navigate conflict with unusual ease. What specific behaviors or attitudes do they display that you could practice?
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