The Dao De Jing 道德经

Laozi's Dao De Jing was written more than 2,000 years ago. It is also known as Li Dan Dao De Jing, Laozi Dao De Jing, and Laozi Wu Qian Wen (Laozi's Five Thousand Characters) among other names. Dao De Jing is a representative work of Oriental culture and the root of Chinese philosophy. Though consisting of only about 5,000 characters, it carries profound meanings and has endured for thousands of years, being regarded as a rare treasure by people. Countless individuals, from emperors, generals, and ministers to mountain villagers, both in ancient and modern times, at home and abroad, have studied Dao De Jing. Is it the truth? Heresy? Science? Or trivial talk? Opinions vary, and there is no consensus.

"Dao" refers to the laws of nature and the universe, while "De" refers to the laws governing life and society. "Dao" represents humans' view of nature and the world; life should conform to the objective conditions of the universe and exist in accordance with natural laws. Only by cherishing the universe and integrating with nature can humans survive healthily. Once we destroy nature and go against its laws, we will surely suffer cruel retribution and punishment, and even face extinction! "De" embodies humans' outlook on life and society; we should get along with others naturally and live in line with social laws. Only when we return to the natural state of infants, when "rulers" are humble as valleys, and "laborers" act without contending, can society develop normally.

With the development of society, while enjoying the convenience brought by modern civilization, people have to endure its negative impacts: the contradiction between humans and nature is increasingly severe, with environmental pollution, soil erosion, ecological imbalance, and climate deterioration; the conflicts between humans and society are growing, such as spiritual emptiness, lack of faith, moral decay, and the prevalence of bad habits. At this time, people turn to Dao De Jing, hoping to find solutions to various problems faced by humanity and remedies for physical and mental illnesses. Dao De Jing is the philosophy of good people; it can purify our thoughts and souls and enhance our moral cultivation. It can enlighten our wisdom and teach us how to conduct ourselves in the world. Moreover, it helps us handle the relationships between humans and nature, as well as between humans and society.