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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Commentary by Ursula LE Guin on this classic. I still find the general principles very hard to grasp; my brain at this stage of life seems much more amenable to the writings of Zhuangzhi… perhaps one day…
There are some good words but the focus on keeping the public uneducated and always staying in moderation and not taking action is a bit irritating- sounds like a guide to placate the public commissioned by an emperor
inspiring
reflective
It didn't make sense to me. Philosophy books might not be for me
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I'm really glad I finally read this- my dad talked about this book a lot growing up. I think it actually gave me great insight, although I definitely need to educate myself a little more on Taoism as a whole
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Some really fantastic wisdom and an intriguing religious paradigm through which to view things.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
PEWDIEPIE'S BOOK REVIEW 2025: #1 - Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
In 2025, I'm hoping to start reading more and hopefully find a new hobby in reading, as I pretty much haven't read anything outside of assigned books in school since about the 4th or 5th grade. I normally don't care for philosophy, but I decided to join in on PewDiePie's Book Review challenge for this year to give me a reason to read and see if I'm interested in philosophy. Since this was pretty much my first experience with this type of book, it felt pretty dense and hard to understand, but here's what I grasped from it: let things run their course. Lao Tzu talks of a sort of laissez-faire attitude for life. This idea of natural order is at the forefront of a lot of it. He is essentially saying "There is a natural order to the universe, so work alongside it." I think the best way this is described is on the blurb on the back of this edition. It says the following:
"If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop 'trying,' if we stop putting in so much extra effort, if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected."
I still feel like I didn't grasp enough of the text, so after I finish the Book Review Challenge I wanna revisit this one (and maybe all of the books in due time) to see if I can get a better understanding of things.
In 2025, I'm hoping to start reading more and hopefully find a new hobby in reading, as I pretty much haven't read anything outside of assigned books in school since about the 4th or 5th grade. I normally don't care for philosophy, but I decided to join in on PewDiePie's Book Review challenge for this year to give me a reason to read and see if I'm interested in philosophy. Since this was pretty much my first experience with this type of book, it felt pretty dense and hard to understand, but here's what I grasped from it: let things run their course. Lao Tzu talks of a sort of laissez-faire attitude for life. This idea of natural order is at the forefront of a lot of it. He is essentially saying "There is a natural order to the universe, so work alongside it." I think the best way this is described is on the blurb on the back of this edition. It says the following:
"If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop 'trying,' if we stop putting in so much extra effort, if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected."
I still feel like I didn't grasp enough of the text, so after I finish the Book Review Challenge I wanna revisit this one (and maybe all of the books in due time) to see if I can get a better understanding of things.
Only read this book because of pewdiepie’s book club.
Was a nice read but some parts do feel like they sort of repeat the same metaphors through various iteration. However the lessons to be learned are valid and would benefit anyone’s life with application
Was a nice read but some parts do feel like they sort of repeat the same metaphors through various iteration. However the lessons to be learned are valid and would benefit anyone’s life with application
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced