LRJ #2

1) The first excerpt of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching tells people of the depth and complexity of nature, and that one should always listen to her. "The named was the mother of the myriad of creatures" (Tzu 6). This shows that Tzu is referring to nature in this excerpt. Tzu says that nature is complex and knows many things, "Mystery upon mystery- The gateway of the manifold secrets" (Tzu 12-13). To learn from nature, Tzu tells his disciples to cast aside desire and listen to her, "Hence always rid yourself of desires in order to observe its secrets" (Tzu 7)
The second excerpt is about the passive and unwanting qualities that are a staple of Taoism. "Not to value goods which are hard to come by will keep them from theft" (Tzu 2-3) This shows that by not treasuring things they will avoid trouble. The encouragement to be passive is best shown in this quote, "Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail" (Tzu 11-12).
The third excerpt is about the