When Laozi calls these scholars “mysterious,” he is also pointing to a limit in language and analysis. In the Dao De Jing’s opening, “The Dao that can be spoken is not the constant Dao,” implying that ultimate reality slips beyond verbal capture; this makes the sage’s insight hard to translate into neat explanations.
As a result, the mystery is not mere secrecy but an honest reflection of complexity. The wise person may use paradox, silence, or indirect teaching because the subject—the Way, change, harmony—cannot be reduced without distortion. [...]
