Tao Te Ching – Chapter Sixty–Five
Written by Lao-tzu – From a translation by S. Mitchell
The ancient Masters,
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know.
When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way.
If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
Content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way,
back to their own true nature.
How I Read This Chapter
Wisdom begins with not-knowing.
It’s not about being clever,
or having all the answers.
It’s about being open,
teachable, curious, honest.
The more you pretend to know,
the more lost you become.
But when you admit you’re lost,
you begin to find the path.
The Master doesn’t dazzle,
they simplify.
They live quietly and clearly,
and by doing so,
help others remember who they really are.
What This Means To Me
This chapter is one I could’ve used years ago – though I probably would’ve argued with it. Back then, I had a deep fear of not knowing. Not being smart enough. Not having the right answers. So I overcompensated. I acted like I had things figured out. I used humour (sarcasm), charm, cleverness, even aggression – anything to hide the fact that underneath it all, I felt unsure, unworthy, and overwhelmed.
Alcohol helped me mask that for a while. It gave me confidence I didn’t really feel. It quieted the noise of doubt. But eventually, the bottom fell out – and all that pretending just left me isolated and exhausted.
It wasn’t until I came into recovery and started working the Steps that I learned how powerful not knowing can be. That admitting I didn’t have the answers wasn’t a failure – it was the beginning of real growth.
“When they know that they don’t know, people can find their own way.” That line describes exactly what happened to me. The moment I dropped the act and said, “I don’t know how to live without drinking,” everything changed. It was humbling – but also liberating. Because in not knowing, I became teachable. In not having a plan, I became open to grace. And slowly, the path began to appear.
“Avoid being clever or rich.” I used to think I needed to be both to feel safe. But the Tao has taught me – just like the programme – that real safety comes from honesty, simplicity, and connection. I don’t need to impress anyone. I just need to live well. Humbly. One day at a time.
I also love this, “The simplest pattern is the clearest.” That’s why the structure of recovery works. There’s nothing flashy about it. No secret formula. Just simple, repeatable actions: Admit powerlessness. Ask for help. Clean up your side. Help others. Stay spiritually connected. It’s not easy – but it’s clear. And clarity is something I never had before.
“Content with an ordinary life, you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.” This might be my favourite line of all. Because for so long, I thought my life had to be extraordinary to mean something. But now, I find the most meaning in the smallest things – setting up and selling the literature at a meeting, feeding the birds, texting a friend or sponsee, planting something in the garden. These aren’t headline moments. But they’re true. They’re me. They’re enough.
Today, I don’t try to know everything. I stay open. I stay honest. I stay simple. And in that simplicity, I find peace – and help others find it too.
