Perfect Imperfection:

The Morality Argument of the Tao Te Ching

Sage Mitchell

Professor Morrison- Team Alpha

Human Situation: Antiquity

October 15th, 2021

 To live by the Tao means that you live by way of the Earth. What is natural and

instinctive is most valuable, and what exists merely in concepts or ideas keeps us from enjoying

a life of serenity and fulfillment. The Tao sees action taken to “better” the world as taken in vain;

the world is perfectly itself and cannot be improved.

Some who read the Tao may find themselves questioning its understanding of moral

judgment. The idea of inaction is uncomfortable on the surface because it forces us to let go of

what we are conditioned to believe is right and what is wrong.

The Tao asks us to unlearn the concepts of good and evil to view the natural world

holistically and without judgment. By letting go of the ideas we use to categorize the ways of the

world we can take action that is unmotivated by self-interest but by our intuition, the voice of the

Tao.

By analyzing the metaphors of nature and the Tao’s application in leadership and

government, I will demonstrate Tao Te Ching’s preference for intuitive action rather than the

elimination of action as a whole.

The teachings of the Tao thoroughly emphasize the difference between action versus

inaction. The use of metaphors relating to nature emphasizes the power of inaction in the eyes of

the Tao. Chapter 8 begins by comparing the supreme good to water. In this metaphor, the water

takes action by nourishing all things. What makes it like the Tao is that it does not put any

thought into its action. The water does not wish to be anywhere or do anything else; it lacks

desire, which is the fatal flaw keeping humans from embracing the Tao. Instead of being led by

desire or ideas, we should be led by our intuition.

This does not allude to the elimination of action as a whole. The Tao encourages action

as long as it exists without expectations. In Chapter 9, it says, “Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.” The first phrase, repeated in the Tao Te Ching, tells us to separate

ourselves from our actions and their outcomes, which will lead to peace.

In its teachings on leadership and government, the Tao pushes the idea that people should

be left alone and that the need for control leads to corruption. Rather than forcing our ways of

thinking, we are told to lead by example. In Chapter 72 it says, "He teaches without a teaching so

that people will have nothing to learn." By letting go of control, a leader creates an opportunity

for the people to work for themselves. This is an ideal outcome in the Tao: In Chapter 17, it says,

"The Master doesn't talk, he acts. When his work is done, the people will say, 'Amazing: we did

it, all by ourselves!'" The Tao values human instinct and therefore encourages the self-

sufficiency of humans without the need for oppressive control. The perfect leader in the eyes of

the Tao knows what he does not know and encourages his people rather than insisting his desires

upon them. The Tao tells us as leaders to trust our intuition and the instincts of others because

they are the expressive voice of the Tao. In Chapter 66, the Tao uses a metaphor of streams

flowing downwards to emphasize that by placing yourself below the people, they will

instinctually move towards you as a leader. When people do not feel oppressed, they are more

willing to accept guidance.

To some, this way of thinking may be negligent because the Tao seems to function under

the idea that humans will instinctively do what is right when allowed to decide for themselves.

However, the Tao does not disregard the presence of evil in the world. The Tao takes evil as a

part of itself and even acknowledges the possibility of its failure in preventing corruption. In

Chapter 19 it urges us to relinquish ideas and concepts about religion, justice, morals, and

economics to sustain a pleasant life free from crime. However, it goes on to say, “If these three

aren’t enough, just stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their course.” The Tao
reiterates its teaching of inaction to remind us as leaders to stay impartial to the outcome and

allow the Tao to do what is natural.

By taking action unmotivated by desire, allowing our intuition to guide us, and applying

these practices to leadership, we can pursue a fulfilling life. The Tao asks us to unlearn the

concepts of good and evil so that we can know those around us for who they are, rather than into

what category they fit. Our understanding of the Tao Te Ching relies on open-mindedness and

acknowledging that our divisiveness prevents us from having an objective view of the world.

While the teachings of the Tao may not seem wholly applicable to all lives, there is value that

comes from accepting people and the world for their perfect imperfections.