Modern Reflections on the Tao Te Ching I: “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao” — From Biomedical Research to Leadership Wisdom

A solitary figure in traditional attire gazes over misty mountains, capturing the serene essence of contemplation in a landscape inspired by classical Chinese ink wash. Accompanying calligraphy reflects philosophical wisdom.

Introduction

As I’ve grown older, read more, and entered the professional world, I’ve found myself drawn to books that I never would have picked up as a student in Taiwan. In recent years, I’ve written extensively about leadership development and team growth, and it struck me that, in Chinese philosophy, Laozi’s Tao Te Ching may be one of the earliest and most profound texts on leadership and the nature of the world.

In this series, I’d like to share my personal interpretations of the Tao Te Ching through the lens of a biomedical scientist — combining scientific thinking, leadership philosophy, and life experience.

Chapter 1 of the

Tao Te Ching

“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth;

The named is the mother of all things.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery;

Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.

These two spring from the same source but differ in name;

This unity is called the mystery.

Mystery upon mystery —

The gateway to all wonders.”

Exploring the timeless wisdom of the Tao Te Ching with a modern perspective, featuring its profound opening words and the symbolic yin-yang illustrating balance.

In Plain Words

This passage teaches that the laws governing the universe can be described, but once expressed, they are no longer the true, eternal “Tao.”

“Names” can define things, but once named, they lose their original essence.

“The nameless” represents the origin of Heaven and Earth;

“The named” represents the manifestation of all things.

When we let go of desires, we perceive the subtle essence behind existence — the invisible order.

When we embrace desires, we observe the tangible forms and movements of the world.

These two perspectives — “being” and “non-being” — are different expressions of the same truth.

They interweave to form the gateway to understanding the mysteries of life.

A Biomedical Scientist’s Perspective

Everything in nature follows its own order.

As scientists, we often try to discover laws by observing and analyzing phenomena — but our conclusions are limited by our own perspective.

It’s like the parable of the blind men and the elephant: each person touches a part and believes it to be the whole truth.

The same happens in the workplace.

Senior colleagues might say, “I’ve seen this before — trust my experience.”

But as times change, relying solely on past experience can blind us to new realities.

Without learning and adapting, experience can turn from an asset into a barrier.

When I was at Cornell University, my mentor, Dr. Scott Coonrod, once told me something I’ll never forget:

“Never say never.”

There’s almost nothing truly impossible in this world.

Think of how early computers filled entire rooms — and now we carry far more powerful ones in our pockets.

That evolution embodies the essence of the Tao: constant change.

We must not let what we already know limit what’s possible.

As leaders, we should maintain an open mind — willing to listen to new, even “crazy,” ideas.

True innovation only happens when we break free from rigid frameworks and embrace uncertainty.

Reflection: The “Tao” of Leadership and Innovation

The first chapter of the Tao Te Ching reminds us: don’t rush to define, and don’t rush to deny.

When we learn to observe from both “emptiness” (potential) and “existence” (manifestation), we find balance amid change.

In modern management theory, this idea echoes concepts like psychological safety and systems thinking.

Laozi’s phrase “seeing the mystery” parallels scientific curiosity — the willingness to observe before judging.

Leadership, in this sense, isn’t about control or prediction, but about understanding and adaptation.

Conclusion

Humility, openness, and continuous learning — these are what keep us aligned with the evolving “Tao” of our world.

As Laozi wrote, “Mystery upon mystery — the gateway to all wonders.”

Every act of curiosity and learning opens another door to understanding.

💡 Key Takeaways

• “Tao” represents the universal law of change — it cannot be fully expressed in words.

• “Being” and “non-being” are two aspects of the same truth.

• A true leader stays open-minded and avoids being trapped by past experiences.

• Innovation emerges from breaking frameworks and embracing change.