Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu

For this meetup, we will read the Tao Te Ching (“The Way and Its Power”) by Lao Tzu. Composed of short poetic chapters, it explores the Tao, an ineffable, underlying principle that gives rise to and guides all things. Rather than offering rigid rules, the book invites readers to cultivate wu wei—effortless action or non-forcing—by living simply, observing nature, and allowing life to unfold in balance. Its paradoxical language and open-ended wisdom have made the Tao Te Ching a source of reflection for readers across cultures, offering insights into leadership, ethics, and inner peace that remain relevant today.

The Tao Te Ching has been translated many times and its poetic languages lends itself to many interpretations. The link below provides one well written translation, but you are welcome to use whichever translation you prefer. https://terebess.hu/english/tao/ry.pdf

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Stockholm Philosophy Study group is a group for thoughtful discussion on philosophical topics. Everyone is welcome regardless of previous philosophical experience, but we strongly encourage you to read the text ahead of time as the conversation will revolve around it. This is a space were we learn from and listen to each other, our focus is on deliberation, not debate. If we are a large group, remember to leave room for everybody's voices to be heard. We read all sorts of philosophical texts, some are easier and some are difficult. If you don't understand everything, don't worry, we will make sense of it together.

Please note that this is a cross-post for an event being arranged via the Discord server. While you're free to sign up here, bear in mind that discussion between meetups happens on Discord, and this group may be unmonitored. If you join the server you also get to vote on our coming readings, so please consider joining the server.

Hope to see you at the meetup!