Analyze the following quotations from the daodejing and then answer the question. when there is no desire, all things are at peace. be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. when you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. laozi, daodejing which statement summarizes the theme of the two quotations? a. live simply. b. life is meaningless. c. take control. d. follow nature.

A. Live simply

Explanation: The Dao De Jing is one of the most important and known Chinese text. Its authorship is credited to Lao Zi, even though both the authorship and its date of compilation are debated. Nevertheless, it is the fundamental text for Taoist philosophy and religion.

The author presented a way of life based on harmony, simplicity and tranquility to people who were racked by disorder and chaos. Because of its elusiveness and mystical tone, it has become fairy popular. The language is simple, the themes are simple and attractive. The main themes are the simplicity and the concept of nothingness through “nonaction”.  

The simplicity and nothingness are related, meaning complete passivity, effortlessness, noninterference in the natural universe flow. Because of such passivity, people should be happy and fulfilled with everything they already have (simplicity). There’s no place for desires, once one should accept what the life, the Way, has given to him. According to the text, “People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire, all things are at peace”. In other words, desire can complicate people’s lives, actions and can contaminate their minds leading them to chaos. On the other hand, the lack of desires ceases chaos and complaints and guide people to tranquility and peace.

Also, Taoism also defends the “nonaction” way of living, which means that doing nothing is the way to happiness. “When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you”, in the sense that one should let the flow of the nature do its work and realize that having done nothing really is having done everything.

d. direct

declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances