Interpretation: Reconciling deep resentment will inevitably leave residual resentment; using virtue to repay resentment, how can this be considered a proper solution?

Source: Spring and Autumn Period·Laozi's "Tao Te Ching·Chapter 79"

Original text: If there is a big grievance, there will be more grievances; if we repay grievances with virtue, can we do good? Therefore, the sage holds the contract and does not blame others. There is Desiqi, but there is no Desiche. Heaven has no relatives and always associates with good people.

Translation:

Reconciliation of deep resentment will inevitably leave residual resentment; repaying resentment with virtue, how can this be considered a proper solution? Therefore, a righteous saint keeps the stub of the IOU but does not use it to force others to repay the debt. A virtuous person is as tolerant as a saint holding an IOU; an unvirtuous person is as harsh and cunning as a tax collector. The laws of nature favor no one and always help the virtuous. Extended information

1. Creation background

Laozi was born in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The environment at that time was that the Zhou Dynasty was weak, and wars continued among the princes to compete for dominance. The severe turmoil and changes made Laozi witness the suffering of the people. As the guardian of Tibet in the Zhou Dynasty, he put forward a series of ideas for governing the country and bringing peace to the people. Yin Xi, the magistrate of Hangu Pass, also played a huge role in the writing of the Tao Te Ching. When he was young, he was fond of astronomy, loved reading ancient books, and was deeply cultivated.

2. Appreciation

This chapter reminds politicians not to harbor grudges against the people, and warns rulers not to intensify conflicts with the people. Because if the grievances are too deep, it will be difficult to reconcile. If you use taxes to squeeze the people, and use criminal laws to suppress the people, you will cause resentment to the people. Politicians should be like righteous saints, govern by "doing nothing", transform the people with "virtue", give without taking, and do not disturb the people. This is "holding the contract without taking responsibility for others."

The language of "Tao Te Ching" is extremely incisive and contains wise sayings, forming many idioms, maxims and mottos. His language is very artistic and uses a variety of rhetorical methods to make the words and sentences accurate, clear, vivid, rational and contagious.

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