The softest thing in the universe
overcomes the hardest thing in the universe.
Tao Te Ching ch. 43.
The 'softest thing' referred to is water. We see how, in the course of time, water can erode rock; how, without trouble, it disappears into the earth. Water looks soft, but really is very strong. Because it is silent and unpretentious, seems to have 'no substance', it achieves its purpose.
Non-action tries to imitate this approach. It aims at being, not at producing immediate results. It does not make claims. It is not worried about efficiency and profit. But eventually it is more successful than frantic work, because it is based on being.
Chuang Tzu explains the same idea with reference to the art of target shooting.
When an archer is shooting for nothing he has all his skill.
If he shoots for a brass buckle he is already nervous.
If he shoots for a prize of gold
he goes blind
or sees two targets
- he is out of his mind!
His skill has not changed. But the prize
divides him. He cares.
He thinks more of winning than of shooting
and the need to win
drains him of power.
Chuang Tzu (300 BC), 29,4
In other words: clear vision demands disinterestedness. If we want to live fully and freely, if we want to live our own lives and achieve the purpose for which we exist, we have to step back from our frantic activities, and relax. Strangely enough we will then be more efficient, in a lasting sort of way. Because we have learned to 'be': and to see with new eyes
