Tao Te Ching Part Eighteen

“When the great Tao is forgotten,
Kindness and morality arise.
When wisdom and intelligence are born,
The great pretence begins.”

The ‘pretence’ is when humans think that their cultural and religious values are in accordance with the Tao and that’s not always true as universal values are different.

People say “that person will get their karma” assuming that the universe works to their sense of justice – and it doesn’t work that way.

“When there is no peace within the family,
Filial piety and devotion arise.
When the country is confused and in chaos,
Loyal ministers appear.”

Love and peace in a family is when they help and support each other to become they are meant to be and not trying to impose what they think the person should be – this is disguised with filial piety and devotion.

The same applies to a country. When people are kept confused and in chaos supposed ‘loyal ministers’ appear to guide the people where they want them to go rather than support them in what is good for the community.