Chapter 58: Goodness Becomes Witchcraft

Published: Feb. 6, 2022, 10:55 p.m.

In this episode, Gabriel Raam, a unique philosopher, author, and thinker from Israel, gives his unique, radical interpretation of chapter 58 of the Tao Te Ching. 

When the country is ruled with a light hand, 
The people are simple. 
When the country is ruled with severity, 
The people are cunning. 

Happiness is rooted in misery. 
Misery lurks beneath happiness. 
Who knows what the future holds? 
There is no honesty. 
Honesty becomes dishonest. 
Goodness becomes witchcraft. 
Man's bewitchment lasts for a long time. 

Therefore the sage is sharp but not cutting, 
Pointed but not piercing, 
Straightforward but not unrestrained, 
Brilliant but not blinding. 

 

Chapter 58 of Tao Te Ching, as translated by Gia-Fu Feng (馮家福 Feng Jia-fu, 1919–1985) and Jane English (1942–), Vintage Books, 1989 

 

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Original music composed and performed by Nazim Venutti: soundcloud.com/nazimvenutti