Chapter 70
The Paradox of Simple Wisdom
70.1. My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but there is no one in the world who is able to know and able to practise them. 2. There is an originating and all-comprehending (principle) in my words, and an authoritative law for the things (which I enforce). It is because they do not know these, that men do not know me. 3. They who know me are few, and I am on that account (the more) to be prized. It is thus that the sage wears (a poor garb of) hair cloth, while he…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Dismissed Wisdom
Make two lists: 'Advice I Give Others' and 'Advice I Don't Follow Myself.' Look for patterns in what you recommend but don't practice. Pick one item from the second list that you've been dismissing as 'too basic' or 'obvious.' Write down exactly why you haven't been following this advice and what it would look like to practice it consistently for one week.
Consider:
- •Notice if you're avoiding simple advice because it feels beneath your intelligence level
- •Pay attention to the gap between knowing something and actually doing it
- •Consider whether you're looking for complex solutions to avoid simple work
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you watched someone succeed by consistently doing something simple that you thought was too basic to matter. What did you learn from observing their approach?
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