18 – Tao Te Ching

When the great Tao is forgotten,


Morality arises.

When wisdom fades,

Hypocrisy emerges.

When the family falls into disorder,

Filial piety (family devotion) begins.


When a country falls into chaos,


Patriots arrive.

(Translated by Chiyan Wang)

Lao Tzu’s message is a caution against losing connection with the Tao, as it results in rigid, superficial replacements for natural, harmonious living. Instead, he advocates for returning to simplicity, balance, and alignment with the Tao, which would reduce the need for these artificial and external structures.