The bold and daring will be killed
the bold and not daring will survive.
TTC 73 (Lin)
This is an interesting passage from the Tao Te Ching. It is saying that to be bold, meaning having a distinct identity and holding serve, you will live. However, if you throw some daring in there, you will be killed. I take daring to mean reckless living.
It is one thing to live distinctly as yourself; it is another altogether to shove it in the faces of others. Daring can be seen as pride, flaunting knowing yourself.
We have already seen in previous chapters that the sages do not believe in taking this approach of praise for knowing oneself or holding yourself in high esteem.
This is what it means when it is said that the bold and daring will be killed.
It’s pompous that you have discovered this miracle that is you and then separates yourself from the rest of the world. It is a daring thing to separate yourself because you believe you are the best version, not just of yourself but of anyone.
So just be yourself and be content with who you are. Flaunting is a fool’s game. Or a Peacocks.
Happy Day.
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