The Tao Te Ching is essentially an exploration of the natural order of the universe and how people should position themselves within it. Its structure begins with a broad cosmic perspective, or what might be called an “ontology”—a fundamental understanding of how the world works.
Therefore, the book’s first sentence is a summary:
“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.”
Everything that follows in the Tao Te Ching expands on this foundational principle.
From this viewpoint, the quote at the beginning of this article can be seen as part of Lao Tzu’s ontological philosophy, his understanding of the forces that shape all things. Could it be, then, that the emergence and operation of market forces also follow the same invisible yet pervasive forces described by Lao Tzu?
If so, then what is not done can be just as important as what is done.
So, when considering Hong Kong’s future, should we focus only on what actions must be taken, or should we also reflect on the hidden forces already shaping events in ways we may not yet fully comprehend?
