Verse 12 by Lao Zi: 五色令人目盲，五音令人耳聋，五味令人口爽，驰骋畋猎令人心发狂，难得之货令人行妨。是以圣人为腹不为目，故去彼取此
The five colors make people blind,
The five tones make people deaf,
The five flavors make people’s mouths numb.
Racing and hunting drive people mad,
Rare treasures cause people to go astray.
Therefore, the sage focuses on nourishing the belly, not indulging the eyes,
Thus, he lets go of the superficial and embraces the essential.
Related verse: Verse 3 不尚贤，使民不争；不贵难得之货，使民不为盗；不见可欲，使民心不乱。是以圣人之治，虚其心，实其腹；弱其志，强其骨。常使民无知无欲，使夫智者不敢为也。为无为，则无不治。
[Written by ChatGPT]
Teachings & Interpretation
1. Overindulgence Leads to Confusion
This verse warns that excessive sensory stimulation—whether through colors, sounds, flavors, or exciting activities—overwhelms and dulls the senses. Instead of enhancing life, excess can lead to desensitization, restlessness, and even suffering.
- Too many colors lead to visual confusion and blindness to true beauty.
- Too much sound leads to noise, making people deaf to true harmony.
- Too many flavors overstimulate the palate, making simple nourishment unsatisfying.
- Excessive hunting and racing (symbolizing reckless excitement) can make people obsessed and emotionally unstable.
- Rare treasures (wealth, luxury, or status) create desire, leading to competition, greed, and harm.
This aligns with Daoist thought, which encourages balance and moderation instead of excess and distraction.
2. The Sage Prioritizes True Nourishment Over Superficial Pleasure
The sage is a person who follows the Dao (the Way). Instead of chasing external stimulation, the sage focuses on nourishing the belly (body and spirit) rather than indulging the eyes (sensory desires).
- The belly represents fundamental needs: health, peace, and inner contentment.
- The eyes symbolize superficial desires: beauty, materialism, and distractions.
The sage “lets go of the superficial and embraces the essential,” choosing a simple, natural, and balanced life over one of excess and indulgence.
Practical Application
- Avoid overstimulation: Reduce excess consumption of media, entertainment, and luxury to maintain mental clarity and peace.
- Seek simplicity: Prioritize essential needs like health, mindfulness, and contentment over material desires.
- Cultivate inner peace: Let go of external distractions and focus on what truly nourishes the mind and body.
- Practice moderation: Enjoy life’s pleasures in balance without becoming enslaved by them.
This verse embodies Daoist wisdom, emphasizing that true happiness comes not from indulgence but from simplicity, balance, and inner fulfillment.
Original Chinese Text (with Pinyin & Word-by-Word Meaning)
First Half: The Dangers of Excess Sensory Stimulation
五色 (wǔ sè) – five colors
令人目盲 (lìng rén mù máng) – makes people blind
五音 (wǔ yīn) – five tones (musical notes)
令人耳聋 (lìng rén ěr lóng) – makes people deaf
五味 (wǔ wèi) – five flavors (tastes)
令人口爽 (lìng rén kǒu shuǎng) – makes people’s mouths dull/numb
驰骋 (chíchěng) – galloping (racing fast)
畋猎 (tiánliè) – hunting
令人心发狂 (lìng rén xīn fā kuáng) – makes people’s hearts go mad
难得之货 (nándé zhī huò) – rare and valuable goods
令人行妨 (lìng rén xíng fáng) – makes people act harmfully/go astray
Second Half: The Sage’s Approach to Life
是以 (shì yǐ) – therefore, thus
圣人 (shèngrén) – the sage (wise person)
为腹 (wéi fù) – values the belly (nourishment, sustenance)
不为目 (bù wéi mù) – does not value the eyes (desires, external attractions)
故 (gù) – therefore, hence
去彼 (qù bǐ) – lets go of that (superficial distractions)
取此 (qǔ cǐ) – chooses this (essential nourishment, simplicity)
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