Read the following passage from the Tao Te Ching:

Question

“Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water.

Yet, in attacking the hard and strong, nothing can surpass it.

Because nothing can exchange places with it, Use weakness to overcome strength.

Use softness to overcome hardness.

None in the world do not know this.

But none can practice it.”

Which is an accurate analysis of the teachings of Daoism based on this passage?

More can be accomplished by yielding to stronger forces than pushing back on them.

Weaker forces usually are defeated by stronger ones.

Most people do not know that weakness can overcome strength.

It is common for people to yield to stronger forces.

Answer 1

The most accurate analysis of the teachings of Daoism based on the passage is:

More can be accomplished by yielding to stronger forces than pushing back on them.

This aligns with the idea presented in the passage that things traditionally perceived as weak, like water, can overcome stronger forces when approached with the understanding of yielding and flexibility, rather than direct confrontation. The passage emphasizes that softness and yielding can be more powerful than hardness and strength, reflecting a core principle of Daoism.