In this particular day I shall
interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 17. In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy,
Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:
“17. The best (rulers) are those whose existence is (merely)
known by people.
The next best are those who are loved and praised.
The next are those who are feared.
And the next are those who are despised.
It is only when one does not have faith in others
that others will have no faith in him;
[The great rulers] value their words highly.
They accomplish their task; they complete their work.
Nevertheless their people say that they simply follow Nature
(Tzu-jan).” 1
Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse. The theme of the verse revolves around
humility. Humility is important in the
face of Tao for it symbolizes being natural.
This is depicted in not doing things beyond what they are. Doing things beyond implies pride for the
individual wishes to force himself into a feat in order to defend his ego. This, therefore, implies being “unnatural”
and can lead to injury. This injury can
be manifested in either in the external or in the internal aspect. If one is humble, he prevents himself from
being harmed in either way. This is because
he does not push himself to satisfy something.
In being humble, one appreciates his present immaterial or material
possessions. In being humble, one
becomes more “natural” for he does his actions without being forced by an ego
or any other restricting principle.
Let us go over the first six
lines in the verse.
“The best (rulers) are those whose existence is (merely)
known by people.
The next best are those who are loved and praised.
The next are those who are feared.
And the next are those who are despised.
It is only when one does not have faith in others
that others will have no faith in him;”
In terms of governance, the best ruler is someone who sets an example
to people. He is someone whom the people
can turn to as a trustee. He is disciplined, and worthy of praise and
trust. He knows that showing true
concern and love for his people begets the same from them. For him, leadership is a way to be nearer to
people and let them feel his presence and essence. It is in this sense that the notion of
humility is expressed in these lines. Humility
is a significant value of his leadership. He never brags about his achievements. Instead, he lets people understands the goals
of his leadership and encourages them to participate and believe in themselves. In this case, a leader will be cared by
people and they will never forget him.
He is respected and he will always be appreciated. He never claims his achievements as his own
but of his people. The center of all
policies and rules is the benefits of his constituents. He leads for people and fills himself with
integrity.
The harm is done in the ruler because he begins to become prideful due
to his achievements and the praises he gets.
In this way, he begins to overdo himself for the sake of his pride. With this pride he becomes not contented and
thus begins to think selfishly about power and fame. On the other hand, the harm is done on the
people by the now prideful leader claiming things for his self. If not
controlled, all these will result to disorder and even rebellion.
In just doing what is necessary
of a ruler, like keeping good relations with his people and even with other
nations or states, he becomes an inspiring example to others. In not overdoing things concerning his
responsibility to his state, he prevents himself from creating an ideal that
can lead him to pride and desire. Rather, he appreciates it all the more and
happily does his responsibilities. It
makes his life fulfilling for he can actualize his natural capabilities. In terms of the people, they are spared from
the possibility of being restricted. In
this way, both sides prevent injury.
Order is fulfilled, for there is no “unnatural” thing which
occurred. Everyone has an important role
in the leadership.
Let us now proceed to the remaining lines in the verse.
“[The great rulers] value their words highly.
They accomplish their task; they complete their work.
Nevertheless their people say that they simply follow Nature
(Tzu-jan).”
Great rulers say what they mean and mean what they say. They give high premium on every word that
comes out from his mouth. This means
that they value sincerity. Sincerity
comes along with humility and empathy. Having humility is similar in “following
one’s Nature” because when one is humble, he recognizes the extent of his
capabilities. In being humble one can
see the extent as to where he can perform a thing without additional
effort. In recognizing this natural
capability, one follows his own Nature.
This is because in recognizing one’s capabilities, one begins to
appreciate what he can do. In this way
the individual prevents unnecessary desires and pride. Empathy is a value that emphasizes an
unconditional understanding and concern of the situation of other people. Both humility and empathy make up the essence
of sincerity. It is with these that
rulers achieve their goals and leave legacies and milestones to their people. One cannot achieve something without
others. He always needs others to
succeed in all things.
In both personal life and leadership function, letting things be and
practicing sincerity are essential elements to establish one’s integrity and
happiness. Following Nature is obeying
and doing what is truly necessary and worthy.
It always requires humility and the sense of recognizing others as
important partners in existence and in whatever social role. Life becomes complete when one lives in
harmony with others.
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