In the Analects, many words are capitalized (e.g. Virtue, Way...), making them important. In the Tao Te Ching, I noticed that Self is capitalized, therefore, based on the Tao, it is not disgraceful.
If I am divine though, I will b at one with the Tao (16). So I don't have to be important, just divine.
Filial Piety was mentioned in verse 18. Chapter 18? The page that says eighteen. It is also mentioned in the Analects. Filial piety is to have a respect for parents and ancestors, and it is one of the Confucian ideals. It is also a big deal in Chinese culture in general.
"I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused." (20)
It's nice to know that Lao Tzu and I share the same thoughts. To me, this book is poetry. It is teachings of Taoism in the form of poetry, but the page that says twenty, to me, didn't feel like teachings. It felt like actual poetry; the thoughts and feelings of the author. This is officially my favorite page in tonights reading.
This book reminds me so much of the Analects. As mentioned before, Virtue is a keyword in Confucius' text. Apparently, Lao Tzu found it of importance also,
"The greatest Virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone."
While reading the Analects, we came that Virtue is a set of certain principles to reach something god. When I think of Virtue, I think of what we Latin Americans like to call, juicio (pronounced hwee-see-oh). When a person is juisioso (hwee-see-oh-soh), they are good. Juisoso people are responsible, and don't really get in trouble.
I keep noticing how heaven and earth are mentioned. They seem to be a big deal when it comes to Taoism:
"Why is this? Heaven and earth!
If heaven and earth cannot make things eternal,
How is it possible for man?" (23)
I agree with Lao Tzu, if something as great as heaven or earth can't make something last forever, how can a man?
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