I do not profess to be an expert on Buddhism, but I have always understood that Lao Tzu quote as meaning that the words used to describe the tao (way) will prevent the listener from truly understanding the tao. I find that to be remarkably reassuring, for it helps me to feel at ease when my words cannot describe my reality.
…not unlike “When you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha.”
Actually, (from my admittedly non-Buddhist viewpoint) I think non-attachment more closely resembles indifference.
The Zen Master sighed.
“I can see from the replies on this thread that my white stick did not do the trick. I banish this thread and all other philosophical discussions into ‘great debates’ where they shall burn forever. Me, I’m off to the pub to get pissed”
The alternative is to obtain all the tangible stuff you desire, then you have eliminated desire. 
For a long time, I desired that this thread should sink out of sight. It looks like that isn’t happening, so I desire that it should go off to GD.