TaoTeChing-20

Original text:
三十辐共一毂，当其无，有车之用。
埏埴以为器，当其无，有器之用。
凿户牖以为室，当其无，有室之用。
故有之以为利，无之以为用。

Translation:
Thirty spokes are attached to the hub of a wheel, but there must be space in the middle, to allow the axle to turn and enable the wheel to rotate.
When making pottery by stamping clay, there must be space in the middle of the vessel, to allow it to hold items.
When building a house, there must be space in the middle of the walls and doors, to allow people to live inside.
Therefore, “having” provides convenience, while “not having” fulfills its function.
Explanation:
“Having“ and ‘not having’ are recurring themes in the Tao Te Ching.
In modern life, we often overemphasize ‘having’ and overlook ‘not having.”
However, ’not having” is equally important.
Just as the aspects of a person that are not understood by society, are often the most valuable to them.
Things that others may see as a waste of time, can be the source of one's passion for life.
If an individual is completely conformed by society and lives according to its expectations,
it might be a good thing for society.
But for the individual, it would be no different from a catastrophe.
Like the doughnut theory, a happy life should be like a doughnut.
The outer part serves a purpose for society and provides convenience to others.
Because of this part, the individual can live stably in society.
But at the same time, it has an empty core.
This hollow core is what makes an individual unique, the very essence of spiritual and soulful freedom.
It is the source that sustains us through hardships.
It is often not recognized by outsiders, it doesn't matter.
As long as you recognize it yourself, that's all that matters.
Enjoy the charm of not having, be kind to yourself, May we all have happy life like sweet doughnut.