Rear them, but do not lay claim to them; Control them, but never lean upon them, Be their steward, but do not manage them. This is called the mysterious Power.

Tao Te Ching

The Mysterious Power

Topic: The Natural World

Tao gave them birth; The power of Tao reared them, Shaped them according to their kinds, Perfected them, giving to each its strength. Therefore of the ten thousand things there is not one that does not worship Tao and do homage to its power. Yet no mandate ever went forth that accorded to Tao the right to be worshiped, nor to its power the right to receive homage. It was always and of itself so.
Therefore as Tao bore them and the power of Tao reared them, made them grow, fostered them, harbored them, brewed for them, so you must Rear them, but do not lay claim to them; Control them, but never lean upon them, Be their steward, but do not manage them. This is called the mysterious Power.

Inspiring Journey of a Great Soul: Early Life, Teachings, and Death

Early Life

Niels Bohr was born on October 7, 1885, in Copenhagen, Denmark, into a family that fostered a strong academic environment. His father, Christian Bohr, was a respected physiology professor, while his mother, Ellen Adler Bohr, came from a well-educated Jewish family. This nurturing atmosphere ignited young Niels’s passion for learning, particularly in the fields of physics and mathematics. He excelled in his studies, earning his doctorate in 1911 from the University of Copenhagen, where he began to lay the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum theory. Bohr’s early experiences and the intellectual climate of his upbringing would profoundly influence his revolutionary ideas about atomic structure and the behavior of electrons.

Teachings

Niels Bohr is best remembered for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics, particularly the Bohr model of the atom, which introduced the revolutionary concept that electrons orbit the nucleus at specific distances, or energy levels. His teaching extended beyond formal education; he was a mentor to many young physicists and championed the idea of open dialogue in scientific inquiry, famously coining the phrase “A physicist is just as good as his ability to ask the right questions.” Bohr’s philosophical insights into the interplay between classical and quantum physics have inspired countless scholars to explore the mysteries of the universe. His belief in the importance of cooperation among scientists, particularly evident in the establishment of the Niels Bohr Institute, fostered a collaborative spirit that continues to resonate in scientific communities worldwide.

Death

Niels Bohr passed away on November 18, 1962, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists. His contributions to the understanding of atomic theory and quantum mechanics not only transformed the field of physics but also had profound implications across various disciplines, including chemistry and philosophy. Bohr’s commitment to peace and democracy during turbulent times, particularly in the wake of World War II, underscored his belief that science should serve humanity. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the power of curiosity and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge and the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on the world. Niels Bohr’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, inviting us all to explore the depths of our own intellectual potential.

Taoism
Tao Te Ching

Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 205 [Tao Te Ching 51].

Theme: Natural World

Tao Te Ching 51

The Chinese word te, here translated ‘power,’ may also be translated ‘virtue’ in the sense of efficacy. This passage can also be taken in an environmental stewardship sense, as well as in a political sense as prescribing the stewardship of good government.

–World Scripture – a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 205 [Tao Te Ching 51].

Carl Abbott – D.C. Lau, Translator, Tao Te Ching 51 [Excerpt from Passage]

While we can pick apart various factors which are at work in the process of life, in the end, it’s really the way (that) gives them life and rears them. Of course toiling away in the ‘trenches of life’, we all get pulled this way and that. However, the quicker I can return to this simple view, the quicker I return to personal equilibrium. Knowing that this is the only true reality is soothing and limits my (and everyone else’s) responsibility for how things are.

It gives them life yet claims no possession;
It benefits them yet exacts no gratitude;
It is the steward yet exercises no authority.
Such is called the mysterious virtue.

The sentiment expressed here of being a steward yet exercises no authority is much more the cultural ethic of primitive native people than modern industrialized ones. The inflated sense of power and control that comes with tools and technology gives us a distorted sense of ourselves and our role in nature. All though, many environmentalists struggle to protect nature, I don’t see them willing to give up some power and control. Being a steward involves giving nature its due, which requires giving up some of our benefit and authority. We must learn to value a degree of discomfort, for as we accept more discomfort in our lives, other creatures increase comfort in theirs. Of course primitive people have no choice; wisdom must be our guide. We must await an increase in humanity’s wisdom. Don’t hold your breath.

I can benefit them yet exact no gratitude when I don’t claim credit. However, when I seize responsibility for events I take either credit or discredit depending on the outcome. When I take credit, I exact gratitude. Which way I go arises out of what role I see myself playing in the cosmic eternal now.

Virtue often takes on a moral meaning along with notions of good and evil. Virtue, here, is called mysterious virtue because it goes deeper than any notion of good or bad, right or wrong.

–D.C. Lau, Translator [The Tao Te Ching (Chapter-51-Commentary by Carl Abbott)].

Resources

D.C. Lau, Translator,The Tao Te Ching (Chapter-51-Commentary by Carl Abbott) CenterTao website