Introduction
Many verses discuss finding and aligning with the eternal energy source called “Dao.” This verse points out that the energy is not separate from what it energizes. Who we are is precisely what we do, and what we do clearly reflects who we are. The biggest problem with these “being” verbs is that they create a sense of stability and stasis. As a consequence, people may choose to focus on “becoming.”
This is a false dichotomy.
Translation
Shh! Just do it.
Morning winds fade.
The rainy day ends.
What makes it like this?
Nature.
Nothing Nature does lasts long,
How can what people do be any different?
The weavers are the Way.
The virtuous are Virtue.
The lost are Loss.
The Virtuous Way accepts
those who weave it.
Loss embraces
those who identify with it.
Commentary
Shh! Just do it.
The verse opens with lines reminiscent of verse 17’s “Pay Attention! Sparingly use every precious word.” The motif throughout the text that points away from language, away from talking about, and toward the actions we take in the world is a critical one to explore.
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