Adapted from the preamble: This work is about the world’s most powerful meme Ostensibly it is about the Dao, and more specifically the classic work that predates the Bible as an instructive text and guide to proper thinking, known as the ‘Dao De Jing.’ But it is much more about what constitutes a ‘good’ life, how should be lived, and what can be done right now to make it happen. Here there is not much pretense of prioritizing scholarly analysis, and though there are indeed some academic references to guide and inform – this book is about work-on-the-self - that process of living a better more harmonious life first outlined by the ancient sage known as ‘Laozi’ more than two thousand years ago. It is meant, as it was way back then, to be a practical guide in the application of age-old solutions to modern dilemmas. This is a contemporary rendition of an ancient, but timelessly universal set of basic principles to advise and assist ordinary folk with their everyday life decisions. It is also a series of reflections on the real meaning of the eighty-one short verses of the Dao de Jing which tell us, from that historical perspective of over 2,000 years, how ordinary people might live better, more satisfying lives by following just a handful of simple guidelines that have stood the test of time. It is also about how those everyday people might better understand the way their lives fit into the much misunderstood ‘bigger picture’ of life that is otherwise called ‘the natural order,’ or to put it more simply – our reality. There are no sermons here, no requirement to have (or not have) a particular faith or philosophy. All that is required is the willingness to listen for a while with an uncluttered mind to some early wisdom on how any individual might proceed if they wish to enjoy a better, more fulfilled life and realize more of their own potential. All this is offered as something to be gained without too much hard work, although as you will see – this is up to you. A little soul-searching and reflection will certainly be needed in developing a healthy and growing appreciation of what really constitutes the ‘better living’ along the way... The Dao explored here is all about the practicalities of attitude, behavior, and self-realization. It is about our contemporary understanding and application of an ancient set of ideas, embracing what might appear at first encounter seem hopelessly self-contradictory, and even occasionally wildly irrational, totally obtuse, and perhaps laughable sentiments. And yet, if there was ever a set of ideas which has stood the test of time, this is it...