Well, Lao Tzu might not have said it exactly as in the translation above, but he did say that an excellent soldier is not a furious man. This could also mean that the «accomplished person is not an aggressive person». In any event it means that one must not confuse anger and violent tendencies from the work that one does, even if that work is the work and the duty of the soldier. I was glad to have learned that (as I did study the Tao) early in life before joining the military…
So I thought we could talk a bit about Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching…
Lao Tzu, although I believe he was real, is thought of as a semi-legendary Chinese philosopher believed to have lived in the 6th century B.C. (of course some «experts» place him later). He is traditionally regarded as the founder of Taoism (Daoism) and the author of its foundational text, the Tao Te Ching. His name is also a title which means «Old Master,» and much of his life remains shrouded in myth. Legend says he was an archivist in the imperial court and when he retired and left China a border guard asked him to to write down his wisdom. His wisdom became the Tao Te Ching.
Tao Te Ching means The Book of the Way and Its Virtue which is composed of short, poetic texts that explore the nature of the Tao, which is The Way, the fundamental, and ineffable force that underlies all existence. It emphasizes themes such as:
Non-action (wu wei): acting in harmony with the natural flow rather than through force or struggle
Simplicity and humility: embracing a quiet, modest life
Balance and duality: recognizing the interplay of opposites (yin and yang)
Inner wisdom: valuing intuitive understanding over rigid logic or ambition
The Tao Te Ching has had a profound influence on Chinese philosophy, religion, politics, and art. It is a cornerstone of philosophical Taoism, and its teachings also shaped Chinese Buddhism, Confucianism, and various martial and meditative traditions.
Both Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching continue to inspire people around the world seeking a life of balance, peace, and alignment with nature.
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JaZzArt en València 
Good share, Francisco. Like the self-portrait also.
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Thanks so much Pat!
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Very welcome.
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😺
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What a wonderfully thoughtful reflection! 🌿✨ I really appreciate how you’ve connected the teachings of Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching to real-life experience, especially your insight on how an excellent soldier—or any accomplished person—is not defined by anger or aggression. You’ve captured the essence of Taoist wisdom beautifully: balance, humility, and acting in harmony with the natural flow.
I also admire the way you provide context about Lao Tzu’s life and the Tao Te Ching, making its profound teachings accessible without losing their depth. Your emphasis on non-action, duality, and inner wisdom shows a deep understanding of how these concepts can shape personal growth, philosophy, and even practical life choices.
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Thank you so much for your kind words Sir, and for your brilliant analysis of the post. Your thoughtful participation in this conversation is very encouraging and also informative, which I greatly appreciate. All the best Sir!
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You’re very welcome, Sir.
I truly appreciate your gracious words. It’s always a pleasure to engage in such thoughtful discussions with you. Wishing you continued inspiration and all the very best!
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It is a pleasure Sir to converse with you and exchange ideas. See you tomorrow on the walking track 😊
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Well said and drawn
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Thank you so much Jacqui!
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☯️
⬻𓂀✧ 🔺 ✬ღ☆ 🔺 ∞ ♡ ∞ 🔺 ☆ღ✬ 🔺 ✧𓂀⤖
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☯️
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Me encanta el colorido!!!
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Y el camino del Tao.
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El camino eterno…
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Gracias Patricia, un saludo!
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I don’t have much experience with soldiers (outside of fiction) but this strikes me as a true observation. That is a great portrait.
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Thank you so much James!
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