Chapter 51: The Growth of Things
Laozi describes how the Tao gives birth to all things, and virtue nurtures them. The sage births but does not possess, acts but does not rely, grows but does not control.
📖 Definition
Chapter 51 shows the Tao births and virtue nurtures all things. The sage births but does not possess, acts but does not rely, grows but does not control. This is mysterious virtue.
Source Text
Read the original alongside the English rendering
Original Chinese
道生之，德畜之，物形之，勢成之。
是以萬物莫不尊道而貴德。
道之尊，德之貴，夫莫之命而常自然。
故道生之，德畜之，長之育之，亭之毒之，養之覆之。
生而不有，為而不恃，長而不宰。
是謂玄德。
English Rendering
The Tao gives them birth.
Virtue rears them.
Things give them shape.
Circumstances complete them.
Therefore all things honor the Tao and value virtue.
The Tao is honored, virtue is valued — not by command but by their nature.
The Tao gives them birth, virtue rears them.
Lengthens them, develops them, ripens them, matures them, nurtures them, protects them.
Birth but not possession.
Act but not reliance.
Grow but not control.
This is called the mysterious virtue.
The Four Steps
- 道生之 — Tao gives them birth
- 德畜之 — Virtue rears them
- 物形之 — Things give them shape
- 勢成之 — Circumstances complete them
Each thing goes through these four stages from Tao to completion.
The Honor
萬物莫不尊道而貴德 — “Therefore all things honor the Tao and value virtue.”
All things naturally honor the Tao and value virtue. This is not commanded but natural.
Natural Order
夫莫之命而常自然 — “Not by command but by their nature.”
The Tao’s honor and virtue’s value come from their nature, not from external command.
The Nurturing
長之育之，亭之毒之，養之覆之 — “Lengthens them, develops them, ripens them, matures them, nurtures them, protects them.”
The Tao and virtue nurture all things through all stages. This is complete care.
The Four Non’s
- 生而不有 — Birth but not possess
- 為而不恃 — Act but not rely
- 長而不宰 — Grow but not control
These four non’s are the essence of mysterious virtue.
Modern Application
We possess, rely, and control. Chapter 51 suggests: birth, act, and grow without possession, reliance, or control.
Key Takeaways
- Tao births, virtue nurtures
- All things honor Tao and virtue naturally
- Nurture through all stages
- Birth but do not possess
- This is mysterious virtue
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Written by
Lee
Lee explains Chinese philosophy, strategy, and stories in plain English — for people who want ancient wisdom they can actually use. Based in China, writing for the world.
More about Lee →Related Articles
- Chapter 18Chapter 18: The Decline of Virtue
Chapter 18 argues that visible virtue often appears after something more fundamental has already been lost. Laozi reads moral display as a symptom of decline rather than the first sign of health.
- Chapter 21Chapter 21: The Manifestation of the Tao
Laozi describes the Tao as vague and unclear, yet containing form, substance, and essence. True virtue follows the Tao alone, not intellectual understanding.
- Chapter 29Chapter 29: The Danger of Control
Laozi warns that trying to control the world leads to failure. The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be acted upon. The sage avoids excess in all things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'birth' and 'possess'?
What is 'mysterious virtue'?
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