Biblical Lessons on humility from a Chinese philosopher
This week, I was taken back to 1984, my senior year of high school. I remember that spring studying various religions but the only one that stood out was Taoism, because I remember thinking, this is a nice way of living. Forty years later I am so glad I read Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. The Tao Te Ching is the fundamental book for the philosophy of Taoism, attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, who was said to be a contemporary of Confucius during the 5th or 6th century BC.
All his life, Lao Tzu taught that “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao”1 which is in fact the first paragraph of the Tao Te Ching. This can be interpreted as the Tao being teachable. Teachable? I was mesmerized as I read through this book because to be teachable involves humility and humility is a necessary trait of a leader. As I read this book I was reminded of the chapter, The Scandal of Imitating Christ, in the book, The Scandal of Leadership. “The biggest temptation we face as leaders is to build our own kingdoms, by our own power, for our own glory.”2 Taoism is the complete opposite of building your own kingdom, by your own power, for your own glory. In my opinion, I sum up this work of art in one word: humility.
The language in this book has its limitations and is only second-hand knowledge. According to ancient legend, as Lao Tzu was approaching his death, he was persuaded by his followers to write down his teachings, to serve as a guide on achieving the Tao for future generations.3 Even though not specifically written for leaders, this book is an excellent source on humility. For example, “We should blunt our sharp points and unravel the complications of things; we should attemper our brightness, and bring ourselves into agreement with the obscurity of others,”4 is all about putting others first and learning from everyone. Other words of humility that resonated with me were:
“When the work is done, and one’s name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of heaven.”5
“Clay is fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that their use depends.”6
“He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.”7
“The sage is able to accomplish his great achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.”8
The above words of humility are just a snapshot of the wisdom throughout this book. But there are two more important things I would like to mention. First, is the Tao’s understanding of water. “The highest excellence is like water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and its occupying all things.”9 The Tao, like water flows everywhere, to the left and to the right and it loves everything. It nurtures animals and plants and then moves on without seeking praise, when the goal is accomplished, it is not there to receive any thanks.
The world is a system of interrelated components, none of which can survive without each other. To be and not to be, yes and no, light and dark, high and low, are all necessary and a part of life. Just like water impacts all of life, so does The Tao. Which leads me to my second point.
Reading Toa Te Ching, reminded me of reading about Jesus. The Tao mentions:
- The Golden Rule – “To those who are good to me, I am good; and to those who are not good to me, I am also good.”10
- Being A Child – “He who has in himself abundantly the attributes of The Tao is like an infant.”11
- Forgiveness – “Recompense injury with kindness.”12
- Be At Peace – “Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still”13
- Quick to Hear, slow to Speak – “He who knows (the Tao) does not (care to) speak (about it); he who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it.”14
How is that a man who never observed the life of Jesus could easily represent Jesus in his life and teachings.
Reading this book really got me thinking about leaders and leadership. Lao and Confucius were contemporaries, both lived before Jesus and would most likely agree with the sayings of Jesus. Why was this Chinese philosopher so close to the teachings of Jesus? Why would Tao Te Ching be considered a must read for leaders? What can I learn from this book, that I can’t learn from the bible? What is it about my western thinking that hinders me from learning leadership insights from Tao Te Ching? What is it about my western thinking that inwardly causes me to reject certain aspects from this book? Why would I be hindered or even reject something from another leader that has stood the test of time?
In conclusion, there were quite a few sayings I could not understand. This is why, Tao Te Ching will be a must read for me each year. The lessons in this book really captured my heart and challenged me to keep seeking humility as a leader. As I finished this book, I was reminded of Warner and Wilder’s words, “In our group we don’t try to fix one another. We call out what is best in one another.”15 Even though accountability is important, it is also important to call out what is best in others, which shows some humility.
- Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu. 7.
- The Scandal of Leadership, JR Woodward. 285.
- Ways of Heaven: An Introduction to Chinese Thought, Roel Sterckx. 4.
- Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu. 11.
- 16.
- 19.
- 52.
- 53.
- 15.
- 73
- 82.
- 94.
- 27.
- 84.
- Rare Leadership, Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder. 53.
About the Author
Todd E Henley
Todd is an avid cyclist who loves watching NASCAR, photography, and playing Madden football. He is addicted to reading, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking H2O. His passion is talking about trauma, epigenetics, chromosomes, and the brain. He has been blessed with a sensationally sweet wife and four fun creative children (one of which resides in heaven). In his free time he teaches at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and is the Founder/Executive Director of Restore Counseling Center.10 responses to “Biblical Lessons on humility from a Chinese philosopher”
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Todd, I enjoyed reading your post and learning a bit about Taoism and Lao Tzu. I don’t really know anything about ancient Chinese philosophers. I’m curious about Lao Tzu’s pedagogy. How did he teach his ideas? Did he spend several years with a small group of students, like Jesus, imparting his philosophies? Or did he write them down and they were circulated in that form? I’m obviously not asking you to answer these questions; I’m just musing. To read some of the quotes in your post, they feel like they could be internet memes. Maybe that’s how he shared his ideas. 🤣
Hello Kim! As usual, excellent questions. Kim, as I read the book, I found out that the writings were contributed to him but actually came from a few other Chinese philosophers. It is believed that Lao Tzu may also be a made up name. Since the writings are 2500 years old, it is hard to tell. Interestingly, the Chinese do not consider it a religion just a philosophy or a way of living. After reading the book, I decided to look more into Tao Te Ching. If I find anything out before D.C., I’ll let you know. 😊
Hi Todd,
I appreciate another Asian work on leadership. I have not read Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, but certainly have heard of him, his teachings, and practices. I have a few friends who have converted from Taoism to Christianity and whose families are influenced by the practices and beliefs. I never really explored the beliefs because of that. I appreciated the teaching you pulled from the reading that matched some of the important teachings of Jesus. I recognize some of the thoughts and practices are similar to contemplative and mystical traditions of Christianity. The practice of humility and simplicity are Christian virtues that often get overlooked. I regret that I do not know more about Lao Tzu in terms of understanding a teaching that impacts so many in a region I care about. I wonder how learning more of what Taoists hold dear I may find more connection through understanding. Thank you for a thoughtful and interesting post!
Hey Jenny. One thing I thought about after my reading was meditation. Is this something you do from time to time or something you incorporate into your counseling? For me, it is a weak area and I am working on improving in this area?
Todd, I appreciate that you ask yourself questions about why you may or may not have hindrances in reading religious books outside of your own faith. I also love that you are aware and conscious of your western mindset and worldview! I love aspects of other faith traditions because it broadens my view and even how I read the Bible. Thank you for your insights!
Hey Jana! This program has really broadend my view and understanding of other religions, cultures, and people groups. There is no way that the way I have learned and who I have learned from over the decades is the best way to learn. It is an important way but there are too many intelligent, insightful, humble people to learn from. I’m trying to work on learning differently and one way is seeking to understand God and life through nature (streams, oceans, trees, birds, etc.) Tao Te Ching was helpful in leading me that way.
Todd,
How cool is it that a book you read in high school was one you could use today. . . I hadn’t heard of Taoism. Humility seems to be a common theme in many of the books our cohort has read this week. I appreciate how you highlighted the importance of lifting others assets, or calling out what is best in others, as an act of humility. Thank you for sharing your reflections.
Hey Cathy, I was sure impressed by how much humility flowed through this philosophy and person. It really impressed me in a huge way and reminded me how important humility is. And calling out what is best in others is an important strength for a leader. But you already know that. 😊
Todd, I loved being challenged by your post. I hadn’t considered this book, but now am interested.
I loved your last line: Even though accountability is important, it is also important to call out what is best in others, which shows some humility.
Maybe we should start encouragement groups instead of just accountability groups. Meet once a week with others just to call out what is best with each other. Like a personal “Appreciative Inquiry” instead of organizational.
Hi Todd!
Thank you for your book choices and posts that have touched me. When I read your review of Lao Tzu emphasizing humility, my mind immediately went to you. Yes, you read that right! I found and felt it in you, and you practice it sincerely.
My question is, to what extent does Lao Tzu’s wisdom impact your projects and your leadership? Is there anything you would not like to apply from Lao Tzu’s thoughts? Thank you.