I continue to ponder various poems from the Tao Te Ching with an eye toward perhaps setting them to music. Here is my provisional rendering of chapter 44:
Fame or self, which is dearer?
Self or wealth, which is greater?
Gain or loss, which cuts deeper?
Craving makes great luxury
Luxury makes deeper loss
Be content, avoid disgrace
Know when to stop, risk no loss
This way leads to ageless life
As usual with the Tao Te Ching, there are paradoxes here. How can gain cut deeper than loss? Is it really possible to live an ageless life?
Although many Taoists after Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu turned away from philosophy and toward the pursuit of life extension or even immortality, I don't read that here; instead, an "ageless life" is at one with the ageless Way of the Tao. Such a life can be achieved through moderating your desires, steering clear of fame and wealth, being satisfied with what you have, and pulling back from greed.
(Cross-posted at philosopher.coach.)
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