Reflections and Analysis on Tao te Ching
Reflections and Analysis on Tao te Ching
Tao te Ching was written around the 6th century BC by the sage, Lao-Tzu, a record- archiver for the Zhou dynasty court, which was a Chinese dynasty from c.1046–256 BC. The
book is a fundamental text for both philosophical, and religious Taoism and it is one of the three
major systems of thought in China along with Confucianism and Buddhism. Tao literally means
“way,” Te means “virtue,” and Ching means “canon.” Thus Tao-te Ching is a compound noun
meaning “morality way.” From ancient time to nowadays, people from different professions,
from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences from various stages of their lives use Tao te
Ching as a source of inspiration, meditation, and exhortation. Its influence has also spread
widely outside East Asia; indeed, it is one of the most translated works in the world. There have
been numerous studies of Taoism in literature, philosophy, religion and communication. I
usually just consult the text for encouragement, concentration and admonition. From a studying
perceptive, in terms of stylistic structure, persuasive techniques or rhetorical devices, Lao-Tzu
wisely utilizes juxtaposition, as a literary device with open interpretation in a reasonable and
calm tone. He carefully selects words to repeat certain points throughout the book to develop his
voice. Considering how Lao-Tzu utilizes methods with eclectic words in repetition structure, one
will discover Lao-Tzu not only portrays a united image of Tao by creating a shared message, but
also guides people to comprehend the real affairs of the society and furthermore persuade his
readers to adopt a Tao way of thinking.
As a persuasive poet, Lao-Tzu undoubtedly draws readers into questioning Tao by
stating “The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the
eternal name...Yet mystery and manifestations arise from the same
Tao te Ching was written around the 6th century BC by the sage, Lao-Tzu, a record- archiver for the Zhou dynasty court, which was a Chinese dynasty from c.1046–256 BC. The
book is a fundamental text for both philosophical, and religious Taoism and it is one of the three
major systems of thought in China along with Confucianism and Buddhism. Tao literally means
“way,” Te means “virtue,” and Ching means “canon.” Thus Tao-te Ching is a compound noun
meaning “morality way.” From ancient time to nowadays, people from different professions,
from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences from various stages of their lives use Tao te
Ching as a source of inspiration, meditation, and exhortation. Its influence has also spread
widely outside East Asia; indeed, it is one of the most translated works in the world. There have
been numerous studies of Taoism in literature, philosophy, religion and communication. I
usually just consult the text for encouragement, concentration and admonition. From a studying
perceptive, in terms of stylistic structure, persuasive techniques or rhetorical devices, Lao-Tzu
wisely utilizes juxtaposition, as a literary device with open interpretation in a reasonable and
calm tone. He carefully selects words to repeat certain points throughout the book to develop his
voice. Considering how Lao-Tzu utilizes methods with eclectic words in repetition structure, one
will discover Lao-Tzu not only portrays a united image of Tao by creating a shared message, but
also guides people to comprehend the real affairs of the society and furthermore persuade his
readers to adopt a Tao way of thinking.
As a persuasive poet, Lao-Tzu undoubtedly draws readers into questioning Tao by
stating “The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the
eternal name...Yet mystery and manifestations arise from the same