We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Chapter 22 Summary

Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.

  • This chapter gives us a lesson on yielding—and not just when you see a red-and-white, triangular sign.
  • Just because a leaf of grass bends doesn't mean that it won't be straight again.
  • So if somebody comes at you with some conflict, just let them do their thing and go about their business.
  • What's the point of arguing, really?
  • The sages don't flaunt their knowledge, which allows people to see just how smart they are.
  • They don't go around bragging about how awesome they are, which is the thing that makes them the most awesome.
  • We close out by talking about the joys of yielding again.
  • The sages didn't fight with the world, so the world could never fight with them.