Chapter 59: Living by Thrift and Moderation
“In caring for others and serving heaven,
there is nothing better than moderation.
It is the mother of virtue.
If you can be moderate early,
you will be filled with virtue.
If you are filled with virtue,
nothing is impossible.
If nothing is impossible,
you will have no limits.
If you have no limits,
you can govern a country.
If you can govern a country,
you can care for all things.
This is how you prepare for the great responsibility of leadership.”
— Tao Te Ching, Verse 59
This verse exalts moderation as the foundation of personal strength and spiritual leadership. Lao Tzu teaches that thrift and restraint are not signs of scarcity, but powerful tools for inner clarity, wisdom, and limitless influence.
Wayne Dyer interprets this as an invitation to simplify life—starting early, starting within. When we live simply, we have more energy, more virtue, and greater capacity to care, lead, and serve others. Moderation leads to mastery.
Key Themes
- Practising moderation as spiritual strength
- Living simply to unlock power and possibility
- Preparing for leadership through self-governance
- Valuing thrift not as limitation, but liberation
Actionable Steps: Living by Thrift and Moderation
- Simplify Your Lifestyle
- Identify where excess (spending, eating, consuming, doing) is draining your energy.
- Begin replacing it with conscious simplicity.
- Adopt a “Less Is More” Mindset
- Ask: “Do I truly need this?” before committing resources—time, energy, money.
- Make room for peace by letting go of clutter (physical or emotional).
- Value Discipline as Empowerment
- See moderation as a form of inner strength, not deprivation.
- Use restraint to cultivate clarity and self-respect.
- Lead Yourself First
- Before seeking to influence or care for others, manage your inner world with wisdom.
- Lead by example: demonstrate peace, purpose, and restraint.
- Start Small and Start Early
- Begin now, even with modest habits—saving a little, speaking a little less, choosing stillness.
- Early discipline compounds into lasting virtue.
- Be a Guardian of Energy
- Spend your vitality wisely.
- Use words, actions, and emotions with intention and conservation.
Mantra for Living by Thrift and Moderation
“I honour simplicity. I conserve my energy and live with wise restraint.”
Repeat this mantra in moments of temptation, overwhelm, or overindulgence. It helps you return to centre—where power quietly grows.