The Way of Life, According to Laotzu by Witter Bynner

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In the ancient Chinese philosophical text, The Way of Life, commonly known by its alternate name Tao Te Ching or “The Book of the Way and its Power,” Laotzu, a sixth century Chinese mystic, expounds upon the principles of living the Tao—a way of life based on unity with the universe and harmony with natural forces. Written in the form of several short, poetic passages, The Way of Life is widely considered to be one of the seminal works on Taoist thought. Through his observations of life, he offers lessons in cultivating a lifestyle based upon philosophical principles which are still relevant today.

In his translation of Laotzu’s work, Witter Bynner provides readers with examples of how to live a harmonious life and how to accept life’s joys and sorrows. He begins The Way of Life with a central tenet—that peace and serenity come when one is in balance with their surroundings. This notion calls to us to be aware of the physical and spiritual forces of the universe, and that understanding one’s place in it is the key to finding true spiritual fulfillment.

Bynner discusses the three core principles that guide Taoist thought: simplicity, moderation, and non-action. Simplicity and moderation both call for cutting out the superfluous and living a balanced life, allowing one to focus on what is truly important. Taoists strive after minimalism, believing that less is more. They also look for reasons to enjoy the simple things in life and acquiesce to life’s surprises.

Non-action, in the Taoist sense, does not refer to an individual avoiding action, but rather stresses that one should use effort to not become overly attached to the consequences of their action. This principle speaks to Laotzu’s idea of “flow” and his belief that happiness and energizes come from letting go and having faith. He instructs humankind to be proactive in their lives, but also to accept what result from our actions.

Another key aspect of Taoist philosophy, as described in The Way of Life, is the need for individuals to resist the pull of societal forces, and instead to achieve balance through personal modesty and humility. Laotzu presents a number of vignettes, including the famous story of the master chess player, who, after losing a game, was content to accept the results and move on. The teachings of the Tao call for an acceptance of one’s role in the world and discourages attachment to material possessions or outward accolades. In this way, Laotzu argues that living an unpretentious life and cultivating inner joy is the path to happiness.

Ultimately, The Way of Life offers a number of lessons on how to live an enlightened life, looking to nature for inspiration and wisdom. Laotzu reveals the key to happiness is being unencumbered by the trappings of modern life and understanding one’s place and purpose in the universe. Witter Bynner’s translation of Laotzu’s work, The Way of Life, is an inspirational account of how to live with harmony and contentment, offering a timeless look at the inner workings of a philosophical treasure.