Inner as foundation of the outer

Verse 26 of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, as translated by Jonathan Star:

The inner is the foundation of the outer
The still is master of the restless

The Sage travels all day
   yet never leaves his inner treasure
Though the views are capitivating and beg attention
   he remains calm and uninvolved
Tell me does the lord of a great empire
   go out begging for rice?

One who seeks his treasure in the outer world
   is cut off from his own roots
Without roots, he becomes restless
Being restless, his mind is weak
And with a mind such as this
   he loses all command below Heaven

Verse 26 of the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of stillness, grounding, and balance. Lao Tzu contrasts the heaviness (zhong) of the root with the lightness (qing) of movement, teaching that the wise remain calm and centered even amid chaos. He advises rulers and individuals alike to embody steadiness, not being swayed by external circumstances or fleeting desires. Just as a restless mind leads to instability, a grounded spirit cultivates wisdom and harmony. This verse reflects a core Taoist principle: by aligning with the natural flow of the Tao, one finds strength in stillness and power in humility.