Analysis of the Wisdom of "Qu Bi Qu Ci" in the Tao Te Ching: Abandoning External Pursuits, Returning to Authenticity

Brief Introduction

"Qu Bi Qu Ci" (去彼取此，literally "Abandon That, Accept This") is a life wisdom of great dialectical color in the Tao Te Ching. Although the wording varies slightly across different transmitted versions, its core spirit is concentrated in Chapter 44. This concept advocates that when facing fame and profit versus life, or self-display versus self-knowledge, one should decisively abandon external, vain pursuits ("That"), and instead cherish internal life value and self-cognition ("This"). It is a concrete practice guide for Laozi's philosophy of "contentment and knowing when to stop," holding profound guiding significance for modern people seeking inner balance in an anxious society.

Core Knowledge Points

1. The Dialectical Relationship between "Bi" (That) and "Ci" (This):
* "Bi" (That): Refers to external things, such as fame, wealth, excessive desires, as well as "self-display" (self-showing) and "self-exaltation" (self-praising). Laozi believes that "excessive love leads to great expense, and excessive accumulation leads to heavy loss." Over-pursuing the external depletes the source of life.
* "Ci" (This): Refers to life itself (the body), a mindset of contentment, as well as "self-knowledge" (self-awareness) and "self-love" (cherishing life). This is the foundation of standing firm and the root of long-term peace.

2. The Wisdom of Choice:
* Life is a process of continuous choice. When fame and profit conflict with life, or when self-display conflicts with inner cultivation, one should choose to preserve life and inner authenticity.
* This choice is not about消极ly avoiding the world (escapism), but is done to "endure for long," avoiding the danger and disgrace caused by excessive consumption.

Connection with the Tao Te Ching Content

The philosophical foundation of "Qu Bi Qu Ci" is deeply rooted in multiple chapters of the Tao Te Ching, especially Chapter 44 and Chapter 22.

* The Inquiry in Chapter 44:
This chapter opens with three questions: "Is fame or the body closer? Is the body or wealth more valuable? Is gaining or losing more harmful?" Through these rhetorical questions, Laozi guides readers to think about the value hierarchy of fame versus body, and wealth versus life. The conclusion is "contentment avoids disgrace, knowing when to stop avoids danger." Here, "Abandon That" means letting go of excessive attachment to fame and profit, while "Accept This" means cherishing the body and the heart of contentment. Some versions (such as the He Shang Gong version) directly imply the meaning of "Qu Bi Qu Ci" at the end of this chapter as a summary.

* The Echo in Chapter 22:
The concept of "abandoning self-display and self-exaltation" directly corresponds to Chapter 22: "Not self-displaying, thus clear; not self-asserting, thus distinguished; not self-boasting, thus meritorious; not self-conceited, thus enduring." Laozi advocates not showing off or being self-righteous, so that true wisdom can be manifested. This perfectly aligns with abandoning "self-display and self-exaltation" in "Abandon That."

* The Inner Seeking in Chapter 33:
"Choosing self-knowledge and self-love" echoes Chapter 33: "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who overcomes others has strength; he who overcomes himself is powerful." True strength lies in overcoming one's own desires and recognizing one's own limitations. This is the deeper meaning of "Accept This."

Conclusion

"Qu Bi Qu Ci" is not only an ancient survival strategy but also a prescription for modern psychological healing. In today's era of information overload and fierce competition, learning to "Abandon That"—letting go of meaningless comparisons and vanity—and "Accept This"—focusing on physical and mental health and self-growth—is the way to achieve the state of "longevity" spoken of by Laozi.