In this particular day I shall
interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 80. In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy,
Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:
“80. Let there be a small country with few people.
Let there be ten times and a hundred times as many
utensils.
But let them be not used.
Let the people value their lives highly and not migrate that far.
Even if there are ships and carriages, none will ride in them.
Even if there are armor and weapons, none will display
them.
Let the people again knot cords and use them (in place of
writing).
Let them relish their food, beautify their clothing, be content
with their homes,
and delight in their customs.
Though neighboring countries overlook one another
And the crowing
of cocks and barking of dogs can be heard,
Yet the people may grow old and die without ever
visiting one
another.” 1
Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse. The theme of the verse revolves around
governing the state with quality through non-interference. This non-interference in governance means
that a ruler of the state should stop any means of controlling people. Instead, a ruler should focus more on how to
nurture his people and the state. In this
way the state can last, and can even accomplish its objectives. People will love their country, become loyal
to their ruler and become obedient to state laws. They will become peaceful, contented and
happy. They would even prefer to die in
their own country.
Let us go over the first eight lines in the verse.
“Let there be a small country with few people.
Let there be ten times and a hundred times as many
utensils.
But let them be not used.
Let the people value their lives highly and not migrate that far.
Even if there are ships and carriages, none will ride in them.
Even if there are armor and weapons, none will display
them.”
These lines express the theme of non-interference wherein a ruler
simply lets the people focus more on necessary things, like virtues, rather
than material things. If they developed
virtues, they will learn to live within their means and do only what is
necessary. Even if there are many
attractive and expensive things, they know what to prioritize. Besides, they will never resort to armed
conflicts or any form of violence.
With such freedom given to people, they instill the values of
contentment, simplicity, and humility within them. With such values promoted in a state, even if
modernity and innovations occur, the people are firm with their values, thus
preventing them from ever taking up arms or causing anarchy. Because values are being nurtured via
governing with non-interference, the people do not have the idea of waging war,
even if such weapons of war are provided for them by technological innovation.
Now let us continue in the remaining lines in the verse.
“Let the people again knot cords and use them (in place of
writing).
Let them relish their food, beautify their clothing, be content
with their homes,
and delight in their customs.
Though neighboring countries overlook one another
And the crowing
of cocks and barking of dogs can be heard,
Yet the people may grow old and die without ever
visiting one
another.”
These lines express the notion that governing with non-interference
leads the state and its people back to Nature’s course. This non-interference is also a very good
guiding principle for state to state relation. When one state simply realizes
its goals through its ruler and people without disturbing or interfering in the
affairs of another state, such state will truly progress and last. Culture and values of the people will be
enriched. There will be no war, violence
and disharmony in the world.
Lao Tzu presents a unique method of governance, which is rooted from
non-interference, a notable characteristic found in Nature. Perhaps, governing in such a way is
ineffective to rulers who use power and force. But power and force are the elements of
interference. They caused violence, war
and disorder in society. For a state to
be worthy of love, loyalty and obedience of its people, its ruler should be one
who believes and practices non-interference as a basic rule in governance.
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