The Dao and Ecology

[Outside Reading]

Dao De Jing Chapter 7

Heaven is eternal, earth is enduring.                         

The reason that heaven and earth can be eternal and enduring

Is because they do not live for themselves.

Therefore they can live forever.       

Thus the sage :

Puts his self behind others, yet finds his self before them.

Considers his self extraneous, yet his self survives.

Is this not because he has no self-interests?

Therefore he can achieve his self-interests.

This passage from the Dao De Jing focuses on selflessness as the way to live and source of eternal life. Selflessness is also a concept that will support nature and limit human impact on the environment. This passage also encompasses the fact that the Earth provides life for us and other beings, therefore, we should be thankful and not live for ourselves, but live in accordance with other life as it is not solely for our use.

-Zach Swanson

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