Laozi · Philosophy
Laozi’s ideal of <em>pu</em>, the ‘uncarved block’ - the natural simplicity of raw wood before the craftsman’s knife. Against a civilization of endless refinement, learning, and desire, he prizes plainness, few wants, and the deep contentment of knowing when enough is enough.
You learned that Laozi’s pu (the uncarved block) stands for a natural simplicity we should return to; that he was suspicious of excess desire, cleverness, and even learning; and that he taught ‘he who is satisfied with his lot is rich.’ Explain the uncarved block, and why Laozi thought contentment an…
Leads to Confucius.
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