The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin is an interpretation of an ancient Chinese text that shows how small changes by few can overcome the angry, frustrated, and greed that has overcome so many in our culture today.

Book Description

“Change and anger are in the air. Looking for answers to today’s wrenching challenges, William Martin turns to the Tao Te Ching and finds that while Taoism is known for its quiet, enigmatic wisdom, the Tao can also have the cleansing force of a rushing river. 

Through his interpretation of this ancient Chinese text, Martin elucidates revolutionary messages condemning power-seeking and greed. He emphasizes that humans have a “natural virtue” that can help them heal the planet; shows how Taoism’s simplicity can be subversive and its flexibility a potent force; and reassures that “when injustice is the rule, justice always lies in wait.” 

Provocative and stirring, Martin’s Tao flows within and through those who ride the waves of anger and frustration and gently guides them to true freedom.” – The Activist’s Tao Te Ching

My Thoughts

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching is a small but mighty read. Martin does an excellent job of quickly summarizing 81 subjects into a very thought provoking page or two. I have not read the original text in length, but I feel that this interpretation of it along with Martin’s insights makes for a truly valuable read. It is calming and gives a sense of peace reading through the pages, and minutes or hours after reading I had “ah-ha” moments where something clicked and I got the bigger picture of what I had read.

This is an excellent read for everyone who is noticing that things in this world do need to change, but are perhaps feeling small and insignificant on such changes. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Activist’s Tao Te Ching, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.