There is little consolation in a world in which Donald Trump has been elected President of one of the most powerful and influential countries. The validation of racist, misogynistic, and ethnocentric rhetoric is horrifying. It is in times like these that certain ancient texts are more comforting than modern outcry. The timelessness of goodness in the face of so much hate is important to remember. Andersson Paak said, "You're doing good, I mean you're not dead. So let's celebrate, while we still can." In that spirit, I turn to Lao Tzu's "The Tao Te Ching" for comfort. Here are 5 quotes from the Tao that have consoled me in the aftermath of this election:

1.

“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.” - Lao Tzu

While part of me is deeply troubled by the concept of being patient and compassionate to those that perpetuate hate, I cannot deny the wisdom in being patient and compassionate to yourself and to those in your community. Perhaps, patiently and compassionately, we may reconcile all beings in the world.

2.

“Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.” - Lao Tzu

This is comforting primarily because it validates my understanding that Donald Trump knows nothing. That is all. No deeper message here ... I think.

3.

“The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.” - Lao Tzu

Donald Trump, and his wave of alt-right supporters, may be burning bright now, but that "light" (if we can even remotely refer to this movement as such) will die down. One day, those who are patient and compassionate in love may find themselves burning slowly but surely. Progress is a steady light; this is merely a flash in the pan.

4.

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists. Of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, “We did this ourselves.” - Lao Tzu

“All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.” - Lao Tzu

The best leader is the humble leader. Donald Trump is not humble. Donald Trump does not talk little. Donald Trump is not a good leader. Again, hope for leaders that Lao Tzu speaks of. Hope that they exist within the fringes of this government. Hope that they quietly, and humbly, aid us in our quest for reconciliation of all beings in the world.

5.

“Success is as dangerous as failure.
Hope is as hollow as fear.” - Lao Tzu

I don't know why this comforts me. Perhaps, simply, the results of an election are meaningless. Perhaps that is why it comforts. Then again, perhaps this passage does not comfort; perhaps it is horrific to think. Either way, this quote allows me to think of something other than Trump, and start thinking about those things that exist beyond the next 4 years of existence.