About the Ancient Rulership

Quote

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).

How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by  their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!' (James Legge translation, chapter 17.)

Comments

The first part of this chapter describes the gradual decline of the rulership from ignoring the rulers to the imposed loyalty (faith).

Let's note that loyalty, held in high esteem by Confucius, is considered to be the lowest grade of rulership according to Lao-tzu.

The second part describes the perfect appearance of the good ruler (of the ancient times) who is irresolute because he takes care of (the effect of) his words. Thus the work is done successfully.

Let's also note the conclusion that mislead many commentators: "people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'", that is, they (people) ignore the work of their rulers as if the work was done by themselves (people).

Finally, the real rulership shouldn't require the loyalty of the people but their feeling that the work (of transformation) was done by themselves.

These ideas are contrary to the Confucian's and clearly prove the fundamental difference between Taoist and Confucian thinking.

Read also

- About the traits of the true sage, according to Lao-tzu, see my article at  https://www. taopage.org/ masters.html and also Level 1 of my Taoism initiation course.

--
Comments by Jhian

--

Home

Courses | Paperstore | Bookstore | PDF

Search | Forum | Newsletter

Contact

Copyright Way of Perfect Emptiness, 2022. All rights reserved.