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Introduction

This and the previous verse mark a transition in the text. The first 37 verses focus primarily on the Dao, attaining to the Dao, and recognizing accordance with its principles. The remaining 44 verses concentrate mainly on what it means to steadfastly adhere to those principles holistically, completely, and unimpaired. As mentioned previously, the classical translation of this principle (德, dé) is “virtue.” However, I find integrity, integral, and integrous (having or being characterized by integrity) much more apt. 

Now is also a place to refresh the understanding that Daoist practice is focused on immortality, first mentioned in verse 13. The modern notion of “living on forever through our achievements” or “gone but not forgotten” is not the same. In the alchemical religious context of Daoism, Zen, and parallel Western traditions, practitioners aim to connect with the spiritual life force (Dao) while still alive. Such experience enables the transcendence of the temporal limits of the body. In some cases, practitioners attain exceptionally long life, though all know death is inevitable. The practices include strengthening the body, meditation, cultivating and harmonizing life force (气 qì), a diet of fresh, vegetarian food, and a life aligned with Natural Law. The solace of these practices is not knowing immortality through achievement but having a direct realization (while alive) of the immortal nature of our innermost being. 

Translation

One who knows others is resourceful,
  One who knows themself is brilliant.

One who conquers others has power,
  One who conquers themself is powerful.

One who knows contentment is wealthy.
One who persists has freedom.
One who does not lose themselves endures.
One who dies and is not destroyed is immortal. 

Commentary

One who knows others is resourceful,
One who knows themself is brilliant. 

It’s good to know other’s minds. It’s good to know how to navigate our environment. Studying the world around us makes us intelligent, flexible problem solvers. That’s great! 

However, such knowledge is inferior to self-knowledge. Only through understanding ourselves can we truly shine with our unique form of genius. 

Why not work toward both?

One who conquers others has power,
  One who conquers themself is powerful. 

In this context, “conquer” refers to agency in the face of the ever-changing landscape of life unfolding. 

“Power” is the ability to exercise influence or impact on something else. “Powerful” points to the innate capacity to exert force. 

To have agency and exert influence on the environment is to possess power. This power is limited because it depends on factors outside of itself for success. Becoming mentally, physically, and spiritually powerful and maintaining agency within our internal and external landscape is a force of limitless potential. 

One who knows contentment is wealthy.

Precisely. Contentment is being satisfied and at ease in one’s spirit, mind, body, and life circumstances. This is perceived wealth – the only form of wealth that constitutes well-being. 

One who persists has freedom.

This line is a little tricky. It’s basically saying that choosing our actions from a place of clarity (freedom) results from persistence. Persistence is the quality of ceaseless repetitiveness. Living on our own terms is a habit we must cultivate if we want to feel free. 

One who does not lose themselves endures.

A nuanced continuation of the previous line that evokes ideas of “preserving the center” (verses 5 and 16). Being deeply in touch with the energetic flow humans experience as pure awareness pervading the whole universe provides an enduring basis for engaging in life. 

One who dies and is not destroyed is immortal. 

This line is often translated as “to die and not be forgotten is to be long-lived.” Thinking in these terms makes much more sense to our modern sensibilities. However, as mentioned in the introduction, such a rendering is unlikely to be faithful to the original message. 

Humans are not only the material we are comprised of. We are the very energy of the cosmos, temporarily crystalized in matter. Discovering the validity of these statements through personal experience and rigorous investigation brings profound peace.