Tao Te Ching Chapter 38

1. Classical Chinese Original

上德不德，是以有德；
下德不失德，是以无德。
上德无为而无以为；
下德为之而有以为。
上仁为之而无以为；
上义为之而有以为；
上礼为之而莫之应，则攘臂而扔之。
故失道而后德，失德而后仁，失仁而后义，失义而后礼。
夫礼者，忠信之薄，而乱之首。
前识者，道之华，而愚之始。
是以大丈夫处其厚，不居其薄；处其实，不居其华。
故去彼取此。

​2. Pinyin Transcription

Shàng dé bù dé, shì yǐ yǒu dé;
Xià dé bù shī dé, shì yǐ wú dé.
Shàng dé wúwéi ér wú yǐwéi;
Xià dé wéi zhī ér yǒu yǐwéi.
Shàng rén wéi zhī ér wú yǐwéi;
Shàng yì wéi zhī ér yǒu yǐwéi;
Shàng lǐ wéi zhī ér mò zhī yìng, zé rǎng bì ér rēng zhī.
Gù shī dào ér hòu dé, shī dé ér hòu rén, shī rén ér hòu yì, shī yì ér hòu lǐ.
Fū lǐ zhě, zhōng xìn zhī bó, ér luàn zhī shǒu.
Qián shí zhě, dào zhī huá, ér yú zhī shǐ.
Shì yǐ dàzhàngfū chǔ qí hòu, bù jū qí bó; chǔ qí shí, bù jū qí huá.
Gù qù bǐ qǔ cǐ.

​3. Structural Analysis

Section 1: The Hierarchy of Virtue

• ​Highest Virtue (上德):
  • “Does not claim virtue” → True virtue
  • Acts without intention (无为) → Spontaneous goodness
• ​Lower Virtue (下德):
  • “Clings to virtue” → No true virtue
  • Acts with intention (有为) → Forced morality

Section 2: The Four Degenerations

1. ​From Dao to Virtue: When Dao is lost → virtue appears
2. ​From Virtue to Benevolence: When virtue is lost → benevolence
3. ​From Benevolence to Righteousness: When benevolence is lost → righteousness
4. ​From Righteousness to Ritual: When righteousness is lost → empty rituals

Section 3: Critique of Artificiality

• ​Ritual (礼):
  • “Thinness of loyalty/honesty”
  • “Beginning of chaos”
• ​Foreknowledge (前识):
  • “Flower of Dao” (superficial)
  • “Beginning of foolishness”

Section 4: The Wise Choice

• ​Great Person (大丈夫):
  • Dwells in substance (厚/实)
  • Rejects superficiality (薄/华)
• ​Final Admonition:
  “Reject that (artificial), embrace this (genuine)”

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​4. Key Concepts

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​5. Comparative Commentary

• ​Confucian Contrast: Critiques Confucian overemphasis on ritual (礼)
• ​Buddhist Parallel: Similar to “beginner’s mind” vs. rigid doctrines
• ​Modern Psychology: Authenticity vs. social conformity

​6. Plain-English Summary

This chapter reveals:

1. ​True virtue is unconscious and natural
2. ​Moral decline follows this sequence:
   Dao → Virtue → Benevolence → Righteousness → Ritual
3. ​Empty rituals cause social disorder
4. ​Wisdom means:
   • Choosing substance over form
   • Being genuine rather than performative

Discussion Prompt:
How does this apply to:

• Modern education systems?
• Corporate ethics programs?
• Political correctness?