Tao Te Ching Part Nineteen

“Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom,
And it will be a hundred times better for everyone. 

Give up kindness, renounce morality,
And men will rediscover filial piety and love. 

Give up ingenuity, renounce profit,
And bandits and thieves will disappear. 

These three are outward forms alone; they are not sufficient in themselves.
It is more important
To see the simplicity,
To realize one’s true nature,
To cast off selfishness
And temper desire.”

This is teaching us to have an open heart. Our society is so contrived and judgemental that we cling to its rules and indoctrinations. What we construe as good, wise and moral tend to be societies judgements and not those of nature. Having a pure heart is to be open hearted, accepting and in accordance with nature.

Once we can see our true nature, the simplicity of the way becomes apparent and we lose the selfish desire to be judged as good, wise and successful by those around us.