Lao-Tzu read my mind

I suppose I come to the Tao Te Ching with many of the same hesitancies as most contemporary readers. I worry that the apparent depth of Lao-Tzu's wisdom is really just the product of its openness to varied interpretations. If the power of the text comes from is openness to the disparate perspectives of his readers rather from offering a teaching of its own, then the activity of reading and thinking about the Tao Te Ching might move dangerously close to narcissism. Readers think they're pushing towards a wisdom that has been right in front of their noses all along, but really they're just admiring themselves in a very flattering mirror.

Lao-Tzu seems to know that I'm worried about this.

#62

Tao is the source of the ten thousand things

It is the treasure of the good man, and the refuge of the bad.

Sweet words can buy honor;

Good deeds can gain respect.

If a man is bad, do not abandon him.

Therefore on the day the emperor is crowned,

Or the three officers of state installed.

Do not send a gift and a team of four horses,

But remain still and offer the Tao.

Why does everyone like the Tao so much at first?

Isn't it because you find what you seek and are forgiven when

you sin?

Therefore this is the greatest treasure of the universe. (emphasis mine)

So . . . everyone likes the Tao at first because you find whatever you see and are forgiven for whatever you consider a sin; it gives you what you want and need. La0-Tzu acknowledges the possibility of a narcissistic reading, accepts it, and suggests that deeper engagement with the Tao might be characterized very deeply.

If one likes the Tao so much at first for this reason, what is the reason that one might like it (or affirm it, or be transformed by it) after a while? That leads me to think about the chapters of the Tao Te Ching that distinguish those who are serious about the Tao from those who engage it casually; but, that is a thought for another post.