Chapter 51 Summary

Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.

  • Every living thing comes from the Tao and is then shaped by its own virtue, or living energy.
  • Living things are then shaped by the forces around them.
  • Therefore we should respect the Tao and value the virtue.
  • We shouldn't try to control it, but should know it for what it is.
  • Our own virtue helps us to grow, learn, and perfect ourselves.
  • It creates us, but doesn't own us.
  • It helps us do stuff, but it doesn't brag about it.
  • It feeds what we do, but doesn't control our actions.
  • This Mystic Virtue is kind of like our trusty sidekick.
  • Well, a trusty sidekick that lives inside of us.