The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

This is the opening sentence of the Tao Te Ching and embodies the core philosophy of the entire classic. Laozi was detained at Hangu Pass by the guardian Yin Xi, who requested that he write down his wisdom. These opening words immediately establish the ineffable nature of the Tao and the relativity of names. Appearing at the very beginning of the text, it serves as a fundamental principle that lays the philosophical groundwork for later concepts such as "governing by non-action" and "the soft overcoming the hard."

This statement reveals the essential nature of the Tao: the true Tao transcends language and concepts; the Tao that can be expressed in words is no longer the eternal Tao. Similarly, names that can be assigned are not eternal names. Laozi points to the limitations of language: human linguistic and conceptual systems cannot fully grasp the fundamental principles of the universe. This teaches us that true wisdom lies in recognizing the boundaries of language, maintaining reverence and humility toward the Tao, rather than stubbornly clinging to disputes over names and forms.

According to the "Records of the Grand Historian - Biographies of Laozi and Han Feizi," Laozi (Li Er) served as the keeper of the royal archives (equivalent to the director of the national library) for several decades, extensively reading texts and deeply understanding the patterns of historical rise and decline. When he saw the Zhou dynasty in decline, he decided to leave through Hangu Pass to live in seclusion. Yin Xi, the guardian of the pass and a forward-thinking local official, had long heard of Laozi's reputation and believed his wisdom should not disappear with him. When Laozi arrived at Hangu Pass riding a black ox, Yin Xi had been waiting for some time and earnestly requested that Laozi leave behind his wisdom. Moved by his sincerity, Laozi stayed temporarily at the pass gate and dictated these five thousand characters of the Tao Te Ching. These opening fourteen characters represent Laozi's distilled expression of decades of contemplating the universe and human existence, as well as his philosophical answer to Yin Xi's question about why he chose to live in seclusion.

This statement initiated ontological thinking in Chinese intellectual history and directly influenced pre-Qin philosophical discussions about the Tao. Sima Qian of the Han dynasty placed it at the beginning of his "Records of the Grand Historian," establishing Laozi's lofty status in intellectual history. During the Wei-Jin period, Wang Bi, He Yan and others developed the "valuing non-being" thought based on this, forming the mainstream of metaphysical studies. In the Tang dynasty, this statement was included in civil service examination content, becoming required reading for scholars. Although Song dynasty Neo-Confucianism focused on mind-nature studies, it still used this as its ontological foundation. During the Ming-Qing transition, Wang Fuzhi and others reinterpreted it, emphasizing the practical nature of the Tao. In modern times, this statement was introduced to the West, influencing Western philosophers like Heidegger and Capra, becoming an important bridge for East-West philosophical dialogue. In modern Chinese, "Tao that can be told" has become a classic expression of profound philosophical wisdom.

Applying the wisdom of this statement in daily life: First, in communication, be aware of the limitations of language. For important matters, don't rely solely on written expression; add multi-dimensional communication such as face-to-face interaction and body language. Second, when making decisions, avoid over-reliance on theoretical models; leave room for trial and error and adjust understanding through practical testing. Third, when facing complex problems, learn to "leave blank space" - don't rush to give definite answers; allow for ambiguity and uncertainty. In interpersonal relationships, avoid labeling others with conceptual thinking; recognize that each person's uniqueness transcends any conceptual description. For personal growth, regularly put down books and theories to directly experience life's essence through meditation, art, and nature experiences. When educating children, use fewer lectures and more stories, experiences, and demonstrations to convey values.