In this particular day I shall
interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 66. In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy,
Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:
“66. The great rivers and seas are kings of all mountain streams
Because they skillfully stay below them.
That is why they
can be their kings.
Therefore, in order to be superior of the people,
One must, in the
use of words, place himself below them.
And in order to be ahead of the people,
One must, in
one’s own person, follow them.
Therefore the sage places himself above the people and they
do not feel his
weight.
He places himself in front of them and the people do not
harm him.
Therefore the world rejoices in praising him without getting
tired of it.
It is because he does not compete that the world
cannot compete
with him.” 1
Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse. The theme of the verse revolves around the
Taoist sage as the Philosopher-King, which Lao Tzu believes to be the most
effective instrument of governance. Lao
Tzu argues for the employment of the sage to be the ruler for unlike the
typical rulers, the sage does not demand for too many things for people to
do. Instead, he focuses on the present
things at hand, like the present laws and the present conditions of
people. The sage, in other words, is
most likely to make the people do what they wish in their own manner, without
imposing any artificial restriction to attain productivity or order. Another reason in that by letting people
exercise their natural capabilities, they nurture their own selves and preserve
what they have. In this sense they will
want less and focus on what they have, thus, lessening the possibility of chaos
because people will cooperate and just simply do what they can in support to
the ruler. It is in this sense that Lao
Tzu gives primacy on the sage as the right and best ruler.
Let us go over the first five lines of the verse.
“The great rivers and seas are kings of all mountain streams
Because they skillfully stay below them.
That is why they
can be their kings.
Therefore, in order to be superior of the people,
One must, in the
use of words, place himself below them.”
The notion of the Taoist sage as the Philosopher-King or the Sage
Emperor is expressed in the very notion of humbling oneself and not trying to
be noticed. The common notion of people
wishing to govern a state is that power and force are needed to keep the people
subservient. For Lao Tzu, this is not
right. In fact, this would stir hate and
loathing in the hearts of the people, thus, tempting them to rebel and cause
disorder. Instead of power and use of
force, rulers or anyone who wishes to govern must focus their time and energy
in doing only what is necessary. This
can be done in simply doing their jobs properly, and implementing the rules of
the state. Living without grandeur and
not showing off what one had accomplished or boast the greatness of his fame
and power should be the attitudes of a true ruler. In this way the people would not breed
animosity towards their ruler. Peace and
harmony can reign in the community. In living with humility and simplicity, a
Sage Emperor is a treasure of his people.
Now let us continue with the remaining lines in the verse.
“And in order to be ahead of the people,
One must, in
one’s own person, follow them.
Therefore the sage places himself above the people and they
do not feel his
weight.
He places himself in front of them and the people do not
harm him.
Therefore the world rejoices in praising him without getting
tired of it.
It is because he does not compete that the world
cannot compete
with him.”
These last lines imply that a ruler with humility is one who connects
harmony to his people, works together with them while governing them, and earns
their respect and loyalty. He treats
everyone justly. He is not a burden to
them but an inspiration for right actions.
He makes no class distinction but treat each as important in the success
of his governance. No person is
forgotten or set aside in the state.
Each has a role to play in his leadership.
In living simply, every person
can do what they do without overdoing themselves to satisfy a certain lifestyle. A ruler who does not put his reputation as a
priority, but rather prioritizes his responsibilities are loved by the people
and do not feel intimidated by his presence.
It is in this sense that they do not harm him. In showing actions manifesting simplicity,
humility, and content, the people themselves begin to learn the values which he
shows to them. It is in this sense that
the ruler is tirelessly praised and admired by the people.
Lao Tzu presents the concept of the sage as the Philosopher-King or
the Sage Emperor to teach values which was forgotten by most rulers of this
day. These are values of humility,
simplicity, content, and “non-action” or doing only what is necessary. Rulers of today focus more on expanding their
influence and gaining power at the expense of their people.
By the above-stated verses, Lao Tzu teaches us that leadership is not
a matter of privilege but an opportunity for a ruler or leader to role model to
his people the values of humility, harmony, content, simplicity
and non-action. The implementation of
laws is easier when people trust their ruler or leader as their role
model. Values beget values. What the ruler or leader shows will also be
what his people will do. Leadership in a
state should aim to protect the people, spare them from disorder, leads them to
be content in what they are, realize peace in Nature and encourage them to
constantly practice virtues. In this
way, truly the Philosopher-King or the Sage Emperor is the wisest among all in
the world. People find true happiness
and progress in his leadership.
Source:
1.
Wing Tsit Chan, “The Natural Way of Lao Tzu”, (United States: Princeton
University Press, 1963), In A Source Book In
Chinese Philosophy, 170.
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