Chapter 66

Humility Leadership
1. That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they;--it is thus that they are the kings of them all. So it is that the sage (ruler), wishing to be above men, puts himself by his words below them, and, wishing to be before them, places his person behind them.

Commentary

Commentary

Source: Editorial Summary
This chapter explores cor e themes of the Tao Te Ching, including non-action, harmony with nature, and the power of simplicity.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue
1. That rivers and oceans can of the hundred valleys be kings is due to their excelling in lowliness . Thus they can of the hundred valleys be the kings. 2. Therefore the holy man, when anxious to be above the people, must in his words keep underneath them. When anxious to lead the people, he must with his person keep behind them. 3. Therefore the holy man dwells above, but the people are not burdened. He is ahead, but the people suffer no harm. 4. Therefore the world rejoices in exalting him and...