Tao Te Ching

Chapter 18
[Original text]

Being too superior[1], the subordinates know it; secondly, praise it from relatives; secondly, fear it; secondly, humiliate it.There is not enough faith, there is no faith.

Youxi [2] Qiguiyan [3].After success and success, the people all said: "I am natural [4]."

【Note】

[1] Taishang: the supreme, the most ideal.This refers to the ruler governing the country to achieve the most ideal state.

[2] Youxi: A leisurely look.

[3] Expensive words: Cherish and attach importance to words, which is extended to not giving orders casually.

[4] Nature: The way you are.

【Analysis】

The most ideal state for a ruler to govern a country is that the ruled people only know of his existence. This ideal state is equivalent to "governing without rule". The ruler himself is only a representative, relatively equal to the people, and there is no difference. and restraint; the second state of rule is that the people praise the ruler, think that the ruler is very wise, and are willing to get close to him; the third state of rule is that the people are afraid of the ruler, this state is not ideal, and the ruler may resort to violence, etc. Controlling the people by extraordinary means can still make the people believe or obey their own rule; the worst state of rule is that the people oppose the ruler, or even insult the ruler in turn, which is to form a resistance.If a person does not keep his word and loses his credibility, others will not trust him.

The best mode of governance in ancient times was that the ruler could get along with the people happily and not give orders to the people casually.When encountering difficulties or doing something collectively, even if the matter is resolved smoothly and the success is complete, the ruler will not give credit to the people, and the people will not be particularly grateful to the ruler, but think: these are all done by us naturally.This kind of ruling state is also close to the rule of "Tao".

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
Taishang, the nameless king of ancient times.Those who know that there are people from the bottom know that there is a monarch on the bottom, and they are not ministers, which is simple.His virtue can be seen, and his kindness can be called, so he is dear and praised.Set up criminal law to rule it.The prohibition is annoying and cannot be sincere, so it is bullied.The king's trust is not enough for the subordinates, and the subordinates should not believe it, and deceive their princes.

It is said that the king of the Supreme Being is still more important than words, and he is afraid of going out of the way and losing nature.It is said that the world is peaceful.The common people don't know the virtue of the emperor, so they think it is natural for themselves.

(End of this chapter)