Chapter 71: Living Without Sickness
“Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health.”
— Tao Te Ching, Verse 71
Lao Tzu’s message here is deeply counterintuitive: the greatest “sickness” is the illusion of knowing. Presuming that we fully understand life, others, or even ourselves leads to spiritual rigidity. According to Wayne Dyer, this false certainty is the root of much suffering—mental, emotional, and even physical.
In contrast, humility and openness become the path to true healing. When we admit we don’t know everything—about life, people, or even God—we invite in curiosity, surrender, and divine wisdom. In this humble space, we create inner stillness, which restores harmony to our mind and body.
Thus, “living without sickness” means letting go of egoic certainty and living in a state of open-hearted presence.
Key Teachings
- True ignorance is not in not-knowing, but in believing you already know.
- Illness of the spirit arises from ego, arrogance, and false certainty.
- Healing begins when we acknowledge our inner disconnection.
- Health is restored through openness, humility, and alignment with the Tao.
- The Tao cannot be known—it can only be lived.
Actionable Steps: Living Without Sickness
- Admit You Don’t Have All the Answers
- Say to yourself regularly: “I don’t know everything, and that’s okay.”
- This creates space for grace and wisdom to enter.
- Observe the Ego When It Asserts “Knowing”
- Notice when you insist on being right, or judge others harshly.
- In that moment, breathe and soften the need to be correct.
- Stay Teachable in All Circumstances
- Approach every situation with the question:
“What is life trying to teach me right now?”
- Approach every situation with the question:
- Release Mental Clutter
- Practice stillness, breathwork, or meditation daily to quiet the “monkey mind.”
- Illness often thrives where there is stress, noise, and internal chaos.
- Use Your Body as a Guide
- If you feel physical discomfort, ask:
“What truth am I resisting?” or “Where am I clinging to certainty?”
- If you feel physical discomfort, ask:
Mantra for Living Without Sickness
“I do not need to know—I only need to flow. I am open, humble, and whole.”