三寶章第六十七
Key Takeaway: "I have three treasures that I hold and keep: the first is compassion; the second is frugality; the third is not presuming to be first in the world." — Laozi, Daodejing Chapter 67
I possess three treasures that I hold fast and guard: the first is deep compassion; the second is frugality; the third is not daring to put myself ahead of others. Through compassion, one becomes truly brave—a foundational perspective explored in Daodejing Chapter 67.
Daodejing Chapter 67: Why Love Conquers in Both Attack and Defense
The wisdom of Chapter 67 addresses a fundamental human dynamic: how we navigate ambition, quietude, and the natural flow of existence. In the classical tradition, this passage serves as both a metaphysical mirror and a practical compass for daily living and leadership. Follow the sequential development of the text in Laozi’s next philosophical movement in Matching Heaven: The True Warrior Does Not Provoke or Lose Temper.
By shifting our focus from outer coercion to internal stillness, we uncover a more resilient way of relating to ourselves and the world around us.
Complete Chapter Translation: Modern Western Reading
Every one under heaven says that our Way is greatly like folly. But it is just because it is great, that it seems like folly. As for things that do not seem like folly — well, there can be no question about their smallness! Here are my three treasures. Guard and keep them! The first is pity; the second, frugality; the third, refusal to be “foremost of all things under heaven.” For only one who pities is truly able to be brave; Only one who is frugal is able to be profuse.
Only one who refuse to be foremost of all things Is truly able to become chief of all Ministers. At present your bravery is not based on pity, nor your profusion on frugality, nor your vanguard on your rear; and this is death. But pity cannot fight without conquering or guard without. But pity cannot fight without conquering or guard without saving. Heaven arms with pity those whom it would not see destroyed.
道德经中文原文与对照
【原文】 天下皆謂我道大，似不肖。夫唯大，故似不肖。若肖，久矣其細也夫！我有三寶，持而保之。一曰慈，二曰儉，三曰不敢爲天下先。慈故能勇；儉故能廣；不敢爲天下先，故能成器長。今捨慈且勇；捨儉且廣；捨後且先；死矣！夫慈以戰則勝，以守則固。天將救之，以慈衛之。
核心要义解析 (Philosophical Insights)
- 道义发微：本章通过“三寶章第六十七”阐发了《道德经》的核心精髓。从“有”与“无”、“动”与“静”的辩证转化中，提醒我们在日用常行中摒弃过度的功利执念，回归纯粹本真的生命状态。
- 现代启示：当外界喧嚣与评判标准不断施加压力时，保持内心的虚静与不争，反而是最强大的定力与智慧。
Discover the historical and philosophical roots in the classical foundation in Guarding Against Rigidity: Supple in Life, Stiff and Brittle in Death.
For a deeper comparative examination of these ideas, explore our related study on Pacifying the People: Quieting Ambition and Emptying the Mind.
