Jenn FrankApr 15, 2017

When the world has the Way,
running horses are retired to manure the fields.
When the world lacks the Way,
warhorses are bred in the countryside.
No crime is greater than approving of greed,
no calamity is greater than discontent,
no fault is greater than possessiveness.
So the satisfaction of contentment is always enough.

–Tao-te Ching, ~300 B.C.E.

Show threadJenn Frank
(I was originally going to post that to Facebook for friends/family, but then I realized it would fit into under 500 characters!! That's so wild! Taoism is so practical and economic!!)
Apr 15, 2017 at 6:18amWeb
Show threadNate Cull (.social)Apr 15, 2017

@jennatar Plus, if you develop enough inner peace and joy, you can use it to levitate and hurl telekinetic fireballs at your enemies!

Uh, my understanding of the finer points of 13th century Chinese Taoism MAY have been informed by wuxia novels, why do you ask

Show threadJenn FrankApr 15, 2017
@natecull I'M TRYING TO BE LESS ANGRY NATE
Show threadGains, heckApr 15, 2017
@jennatar if you haven't already, the Chuangtzu is also an excellent read
Show threadJenn FrankApr 15, 2017
@gains_toots It's, haha, I'm reading 'The Taoism Reader", an anthology—I wanted to jump right into Taoism, like a freshman "survey course," and slow down later! It's how I learn, but it means I'm just beginning. Anyway, the book is divided into sections, and one of them is INDEED selections from the Chuang-tzu!!! I'm super pumped to read it. Will report back!!! 😀
Show threadGains, heckApr 15, 2017
@jennatar yesss the chuangtzu has more parables and longer form writing and I've always been the into it a bit more. Enjoy - Taoism is still my absolute fave.
Show threadJenn FrankApr 15, 2017
@gains_toots I'm so excited! Mind, body, soul—we're getting it together and healing up our system! Better fighting chances that way! It's a process, but reading stuff really helps it along
Show threadJenn FrankApr 15, 2017
@gains_toots —wait, if the Chuang-tzu is longer-form, how will I toot it?? (jk)
Show threadGains, heckApr 15, 2017
@jennatar there's still some pithy stuff! But yeah, for shame
Show threadJenn FrankApr 15, 2017
@gains_toots I'll just have to Instagram it
Show threadJasonApr 15, 2017
@jennatar I had a brief fling with Taoism/I-ching in high school. Might have been amusement that its prophet was born from a crashing comet, thereby making him an alien.