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3 Treasures

Value
Like any well developed philosophy, the Tao gives us an alternative value system. This is made most clear of all when Lao Tzu speaks of his three treasures.  The capitalists' three treasures: stocks, cash and debentures are as useless to Lao Tzu as gold, frankincense and myrrh were to Jesus.

1. Lao Tzu's treasures are:

2. 1. Benevolence

3. 2. Frugality

4. 3. Never trying to be number one

This is reflected in Chapter 67:
I hold and protect three treasures:
Benevolence, frugality and never trying to be number 1

and Chapter 69:
There is no greater disaster than to underestimate your enemy.
If I did that, I would lose my 3 treasures
In combat, the most reticent side will win.

The idea of not trying to be #1 is anathema to "successful" people today.  The value of the Tao's treasures is that you can have them now and keep them forever. 

Fame, wealth, power and being #1 are costly (for your humanity) to obtain, impossible to keep.