Chapter 17

Leadership Wu Wei

1. In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).

Commentary

Source: Editorial Summary

This chapter describes the ideal rule r who governs so subtly that people believe they govern themselves. The best leadership is invisible, working with rather than against the natural flow.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. Of great rulers the subjects do not notice the existence. To lesser ones people are attached; the y praise them. Still lesser ones people fear, and the meanest ones people despise. 2. For it is said: "If your faith be insufficient, verily, you will receive no faith." 3. How reluctantly they [the great rulers] considered their words! Merit they accomplished; deeds they performed; and the hundred families thought: "We are independent." Next: 18. The Palliation of Vulgarity | « Previous: The Cano...