lt because people always think about what they do, but this does not work with the Tao (Chapter 1). You cannot look for the Tao; you cannot listen for the Tao. You must just accept the idea that it is always there, omnipresent, and you can't see it. This is all very important because if one cannot understand these first simple steps in Taoism, they will be lost the rest of the way. In personal life, you should never define yourself. When you define yourself, you are actually putting limits on yourself. If a man defines himself as a doctor, he is limiting himself to science. If a man defines himself as a singer, he is limiting himself to music. By limiting yourself, you are not allowing yourself to experience life fully (Chapter 24). Also, you should never define any object because they will always have an opposite. If you define something as "good" then its opposite is defined as "bad", when in reality it might not be (Chapter 2). When a man is about to buy a car, he will want to buy a company with a "good name". He has defined one car as "good" and the rest are "bad". When he realizes he cannot afford the "good" car he is unhappy. He has to buy a "bad" car. While driving his "bad" car, he thinks about what people will say. He worries that they will not approve of his new purchase. If the man had not originally set such high expectations of buying a "good" car, he would not be upset with his situation. By caring about other people's approval he becomes their "prisoner" (Chapter 9). If you see things as they are, then you will be happy with whatever you have. If you see things through other's eyes then you will never achieve the high goals you are setting. "In family life, be completely present" (Chapter 8). All family members should always be there for each other. You should be completely present for the rest of your family, this way other members can talk to you whenever necessary. This gives a sense of security to the rest of the fami...
