– 57 –

In order to be a great leader,

you must first learn to follow the Tao.

War may be won with exceptional moves,

but loyalty is only won by not-doing.

Relinquish control

and the world will govern itself.

~

How do I know this is so?

Because in this world,

the greater the prohibitions,

the less virtuous people will be.

~

The more advanced the weapons of state,

the less secure people will be.

The more laws are posted,

the more thieves appear.

Therefore the Sage says:

I do not try to control

and the people transform themselves.

~

I embrace quietude

and the people settle into their regular grooves.

I do not meddle in people’s lives

and they grow prosperous.

I let go of all desire

and the people return become serene.

Commentary

In this section of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu returns his attention to…