Book Report: Tao Te Ching by Laozi

1) What prompted me to choose this book?

During my journey of rebuilding my life and deepening my spiritual foundation, I was drawn to books that could offer timeless wisdom on how to live with greater peace, resilience, and understanding. The Tao Te Ching came highly recommended as a text that transcends time, culture, and circumstances.
I was especially looking for something that could help me navigate not only external challenges, but also the internal battles of doubt, fear, and resistance.
The idea of learning to flow with life — rather than fighting against it — spoke directly to where I was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

2) What did I learn from reading this book?

One of the most enlightening lessons from the Tao Te Ching was the principle of non-resistance:
“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.”
This idea shifted my perspective. Rather than constantly struggling to control outcomes or resist negative thoughts and circumstances, I realized that much of life is being done for us — unfolding perfectly in its own rhythm.

I also learned the profound strength found in softness:
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.”
This reinforced for me that strength doesn’t always come from force or aggression. True power often comes from patience, adaptability, and humility.

Another key insight was the value of emptiness and stillness:
“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.”
Instead of constantly reacting to difficulties, sometimes the best course of action is to be still, to let things settle naturally — trusting that clarity will return.

3) How will reading this book contribute to my success upon release?

The Tao Te Ching gave me a mental operating system that I can carry into every aspect of life:

• In my fitness journey, it reminds me that consistency — not force — leads to strength over time, just like water shaping rock.
• In building Koru Insight Ministry, it teaches me to lead without coercion, allowing the mission to attract those who are aligned, rather than forcing outcomes.
• In Web3 and Bitcoin, it reaffirms the philosophy of decentralization and organic growth, aligning with nature rather than artificial control.
• In life’s hardships, it reminds me that resisting suffering often amplifies it, but accepting, observing, and flowing through it leads to healing and growth.

This book arms me with the inner resilience to stay steady and calm — no matter what storms may come — by trusting that the path is unfolding exactly as it should.

Challenge to Readers:

I challenge you to pick up the Tao Te Ching with an open heart.
Don’t just read it once — sit with it. Let its wisdom seep into your mindset and daily actions.
Ask yourself:
“Where am I forcing life when I should be flowing with it?”
“Where could softness and patience accomplish more than force?”

Document your reflections, your changes, and your growth.
And if you feel called, join us in this movement of transformation through Prison Professors Talent.
Your journey is not just for you — it can be a light for others.